THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


J.—2. 


KEPOKT 

ON  THE  INDIGENOUS  MEDICAL  BOTANY  OF 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

By  STEPHEN  W.  WILLIAMS,  M.  D. 


PRELIMINARY  REMARKS. 

THE  plants  of  Massachusetts  have  been  pretty  thoroughly  inves- 
tigated by  able  botanists.  Although  the  State  embraces  but  a  small 
extent  of  territory,  and  much  of  the  soil  is  rocky  and  barren,  and 
although  she  is  situated  in  a  pretty  high  northern  latitude,  for  the 
temperate  zone,  she,  nevertheless,  has  some  as  warm  weather  as  is 
to  be  found  in  the  sunny  regions  of  the  south,  though  not  of  so  long 
continuance.  Many,  if  not  most,  of  our  plants  are  the  same  with 
those  of  the  climate  of  the  south  and  southwest.  There  are  but  few 
of  the  plants  which  have  been  described  by  botanical  writers,  as 
growing  in  the  southern  and  southwestern  States,  which  are  not  found 
in  Massachusetts.  Some  of  our  western  and  southwestern  States, 
however,  are  still  in  their  infancy,  and  the  natural  history  of  them 
has  not  been  much  investigated.  The  admirable  resolution  of  the 
Association  for  appointing  a  committee  to  investigate  the  medical 
botany  of  the  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  will  do  much  to- 
wards drawing  out  and  developing  the  comparatively  unexplored 
resources  of  our  country  in  this  department  of  science.  Although 
considerable  has  been  done  in  this  respect,  a  great  deal  yet  remains 
to  be  done,  and  the  time  will  probably  ultimately  arrive,  when  many 
of  what  are  now  termed  "  worthless  weeds,  and  useless  plants,"  will 
be  considered  invaluable  medicinal  agents ;  and  many  which  are  now 
considered  medicinal,  will  be  considered  comparatively  of  little  value. 
The  chaff  will  be  sifted  from  the  wheat,  and  a  proper  value  will  be 


' 


864 

attached  to  the  most  important  medicinal  plants.  The  subject,  as 
yet,  is  almost  in  embryo,  and  much  light  will  be  thrown  upon  it  by 
the  investigations  of  our  future  medical  botanists. 

It  is  to  the  researches  of  regular  scientific  physicians,  that  much 
is  to  be  expected  in  this  department  of  our  profession.  The  self- 
styled  botanic  physicians,  who  make  pretensions  to  the  exclusive  use 
of  vegetables,  in  their  empiric  practice,  employ  but  few  articles  in 
comparison  with  educated  physicians,  and  with  the  exception  of  their 
divine  lobelia,  one  of  the  most  poisonous  substances  known  in  the 
vegetable  or  mineral  kingdoms,  their  remedies  are  generally  very 
inert.  Nearly  all  the  knowledge  which  they  ever  obtained  of  them, 
has  been  from  the  writings  of  regular  physicians,  and  from  our 
standard  works  upon  Medical  Botany  and  Materia  Medica.  We 
have  no  hopes  that  our  vegetable  materia  medica  will  receive  any 
valuable  accessions  from  them.  I  have  seen  but  in  a  very  few  of 
their  writings,  even  a  scientific  botanical  description  of  any  of  their 
boasted  remedies,  or  even  a  reference  to  the  natural  orders  of  Jussieu 
or  Lindley,  or  of  the  sexual  system  of  Linnaeus.  The  English  or 
vulgar  name  generally  is  only  given,  which  may  mean  one  thing,  or 
may  mean  another,  but  generally  ends  only  in  jargon  and  confu- 
sion, for  the  same  English  name  often  applies  to  a  dozen  different 
plants. 

The  only  extensive  early  writer  upon  the  medicinal  plants  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, which  I  recollect  to  have  seen,  was  Dr.  Cutler,  who  pub- 
lished an  elaborate  article  upon  the  subject,  in  the  Transactions  of 
the  American  Academy  of  Arts,  Boston,  not  far  from  the  year  1790. 
The  work  is  not  now  before  me,  and  I  may  not  be  exactly  correct  in 
relation  to  the  date.  Separate  monographs,  or  papers,  have  been 
published  in  the  medical  journals  upon  individual  medicinal  plants, 
but  no  regular  system  of  botany  was  published  in  this  section  of  the 
country,  as  far  as  I  can  ascertain,  till  some  time  after  the  commence- 
ment of  the  present  century,  when  Waterhouse  published  his  Bota- 
nist. Eaton  published  his  Botany  of  the  Northern  States,  not  far 
from  the  year  1812  or  1814.  He  described  almost  all  the  plants 
then  known  in  the  northern  part  of  our  Union,  according  to  the 
Linnsean  scheme,  with  a  reference  to  their  natural  orders.  He 
speaks  of  the  medicinal  properties  of  all  the  plants  which  he  de- 
scribes, by  referring  them  to  the  classes  of  Linnaeus,  and  to  his  ob- 
servation "  that  plants  in  the  same  class  and  order  possess  the  same 
medicinal  properties."  If  this  observation  is  correct,  then  all  plants 
are  medicinal,  and  the  poisonous  hemlock  possesses  similar  proper- 


865 


tm 


ties  with  the  aromatic  caraway  and  anise.  The  work  of  Eaton  has 
passed  through  several  editions.  Our  indefatigable  and  learned 
Bigelow,  about  the  same  time,  published  his  valuable  and  most  in- 
teresting work  upon  the  Plants  of  Boston.  This  learned  work  has 
passed  through  several  editions.  His  more  splendid  work  upon 
Medical  Botany,  was  commenced  not  far  from  the  year  1815,  con- 
taining elegant  coloured  engravings  of  several  of  our  most  valuable 
medical  plants.  This,  next  to  Wilson's  Ornithology,  was  considered 
the  most  splendid  work  upon  natural  history  which  had  been  pub- 
lished in  America.  Barton,  of  Philadelphia,  about  the  same  time 
commenced  a  Medical  Flora  upon  much  the  same  plan,  with  superb 
engravings,  in  quarto.  This,  with  that  of  Bigelow,  was  discontinued 
for  the  want  of  patronage,  after  the  publication  of  three  volumes. 
Muhlenberg,  Pursh,  Bartram,  and  the  elder  Barton,  had  published 
interesting  works  upon  the  subject  of  botany,  and  also  Elliott,  of 
South  Carolina. 

I  had  examined  these  works  with  great  attention,  and  also  several 
foreign  works,  and  among  the  rest,  Sowerby  and  Curtis.  I  became 
enamoured  with  the  study  of  botany,  and  about  the  year  1816,  in 
connection  with  Edward  Hitchcock,  now  President  of  Amherst  Col- 
lege, and  Dr.  Dennis  Cooley,  now  of  Michigan,  who  was  then  a  stu- 
dent in  the  office  of  my  father  and  myself.  With  them  I  examined 
the  valleys  and  the  mountains  of  my  native  town  of  Deerfield,  for 
the  purpose  of  discovering  and  investigating  their  vegetable  and 
mineral  productions.  Our  meadows,  containing  about  two  thousand 
acres,  receive  the  deposit  and  wash  of  the  Green  Mountains  in  Ver- 
mont, as  in  a  basin,  as  the  Deerfield  River  in  its  meanderings, 
washes  the  base  of  those  mountains  for  forty  or  fifty  miles,  and  wafts 
on  its  tumultuous  waves  the  seeds  of  various  plants  from  those 
mountains,  and  deposits  them  in  this  fertile  basin.  Hence  this  little 
alluvial  tract  is  peculiarly  rich  in  botanical  productions.  Nearly 
one  thousand  species  were  found  within  the  borders  of  this  town  in 
a  single  season,  including  those  which  were  naturalized.  Extensive 
herbariums  were  formed  from  these,  and  those  of  Dr.  Cooley  and 
Dr.  Hitchcock  were  among  the  earliest  and  most  valuable  in  the 
country.  Both  these  gentlemen,  I  believe,  still  continue  to  add  to 
their  extensive  collections.  Dr.  Hitchcock  was  much  assisted  in  his 
early  investigations  upon  this  subject,  by  Miss  Orra  White,  of  Am- 
herst, now  his  wife,  one  of  our  most  distinguished  naturalists,  who, 
with  her  own  hand,  painted  many  of  the  plants  collected  with  almost 
inimitable  beauty.  She  still  cultivates  alm^f  all  the  branches  of 


866 

natural  history  with  great  assiduity,  as  do  the  gentlemen  mentioned 
above.  President  Hitchcock  has  long  been  considered  the  most 
learned  geologist  in  America. 

My  object  in  attending  to  the  study  of  botany,  was  to  investigate 
the  medical  properties  of  such  plants  as  we  might  discover  in  our 
peregrinations  and  wanderings.  The  field  had  been  but  partially 
explored,  and  many  of  our  plants,  in  the  language  of  the  immortal 
Hush,  were  "  exhaling  their  virtues  in  the  desert  air."  After  my 
marriage,  in  1818,  to  Miss  Harriet  T.  Goodhue,  I  was  greatly  as- 
sisted by  my  wife,  who  drew  and  painted  most  of  the  plants  painted 
by  Mrs.  Hitchcock,  besides  very  many  others  from  nature,  and  from 
other  sources.  In  subsequent  years,  this  collection  of  paintings  has 
been  very  much  enlarged  by  my  daughter  Helen  Maria  (now  Mrs. 
Huntington),  and  my  younger  daughter,  Caroline  Willard.  The 
paintings  now  in  my  possession,  principally  of  medical  plants,  from 
these  and  other  sources,  amount  to  several  hundred,  which,  to  me  at 
least,  are  invaluable,  and  they  have  been  of  great  service  to  me  in 
my  lectures  on  medical  botany  at  Dartmouth  Medical  College,  and 
upon  materia  medica  in  the  Willoughby  University  of  Ohio.  This, 
in  my  opinion,  is  the  most  permanent  and  beautiful  method  of  pre- 
paring what  may  be  called  a  fac-simile  of  an  herbarium.  There  is  no 
danger  of  the  destruction  of  the  paintings  from  insects,  and  of  the 
fading  of  the  plants  from  the  ravages  of  time.  I  have  availed  my- 
self, also,  of  all  the  limited  means  in  my  power,  to  procure  our  valu- 
able, and  even  costly  works  upon  Medical  Botany.  In  this  way, 
I  have  enriched  my  library  with  the  splendid  work  of  W.  P.  C.  Bar- 
ton, with  the  beautiful  plates  of  Michaux,  and  many  other  splendid 
works.  While  making  my  collection  of  coloured  engravings  of 
plants,  I  have  devoted  much  of  my  attention  to  the  investigation  of 
the  medicinal  properties  of  the  plants  which  have  been  found  in  this 
section  of  the  country;  and  so  long  ago  as  the  year  1819, 1  compiled 
a  volume  upon  the  medical  virtues  of  our  plants,  culling  information 
from  every  source  within  my  reach,  both  regular  and  empirical,  and 
I  have  been  adding  to  that  collection  ever  since.  If  I  have  not  re- 
corded much  that  is  new,  I  trust  I  have  at  least  enlarged  the  bound- 
aries of  our  vegetable  Materia  Medica.  In  this  report,  however,  of 
the  Medical  Botany  of  Massachusetts,  I  can  only  give  an  outline  or 
skeleton  of  the  properties  of  the  plants  enumerated.  An  extended 
account  of  their  uses  would  comprise  a  volume  of  no  inferior  dimen- 
sions. 

Rather  than  cumber  the  individual  articles  upon  which  I  have 


86T 

treated  in  this  report  of  the  indigenous  medicinal  plants  of  Massa- 
chusetts, with  the  names  of  my  authorities  under  the  head  of  the 
articles  treated  of,  I  have  preferred  to  group  the  principal  part  of 
them  together  in  these  remarks,  without  regard  to  names,  to  time 
and  dates.  I  may  here  observe,  that  I  have  very  briefly  noticed 
more  than  three  hundred  medicinal  indigenous  plants  found  growing 
in  Massachusetts,  which  is  as  far  as  I  have  been  able,  at  present,  to 
investigate  them.  My  list  is,  undoubtedly,  very  imperfect.  Many 
more  may  be  known  which  have  escaped  my  notice.  The  list  of 
valuable  articles  is  increasing,  and  many  years  will  not  elapse  be- 
fore a  perfect  account  will  be  obtained  of  them.  Many  of  them,  of 
which  I  have  spoken,  will,  probably,  be  considered  inert ;  and  others 
will  be  deemed  more  valuable  than  they  have  been  described  to 
be.  I  have  not  treated  of  any  article  without  some  authority. 
Probably  as  many  naturalized  medicinal  plants  are  to  be  found  in 
Massachusetts,  as  indigenous.  If  so,  our  vegetable  materia  medica 
is  rich,  and  will  well  repay  further  and  deeper  investigation.  Had 
the  Committee  been  called  upon  by  the  Association  to  investigate 
our  exotic,  as  well  as  indigenous  plants,  my  list  of  references  to 
authorities  would  have  been  altogether  greater.  As  it  is,  I  shall 
mention  only  a  few  of  those  from  whom  I  have  received  most  im- 
portant information.  I  have  availed  myself,  among  other  works,  of 
the  knowledge  communicated  upon  the  subject,  by  Rees's  Cyclo- 
pedia, Encyclopedia  Britannica,  the  new  Edinburgh  Encyclopedia, 
Willich's,  the  Encyclopedia  Americana,  Nicholson's,  and  the  Cyclo- 
pedia of  Practical  Medicine,  as  far  as  published;  of  Michaux, 
Bartram,  Weld,  Flint,  Drake,  Peck,  Darby,  Schoolcraft,  Morse, 
Godman,  Wilson,  Audubon,  Carver,  Pursh,  Muhlenberg,  Elliott, 
and  many  other  writers  upon  our  Southern  and  Western  States,  and 
travellers  in  those  regions ;  of  Catesby,  Clayton,  Kalm,  Bobbins, 
Charlevoix,  and  other  celebrated  travellers  in  America;  all  of 
whom  have  spoken,  more  or  less,  of  our  plants.  To  Silliman's 
Journal,  the  American  Philosophical  Transactions,  the  Transactions 
of  the  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  of  the  Phil.  Academy  of  Na- 
tural Sciences,  the  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  B.  S.  Barton's  Medical  and 
Physical  Journal,  Barton's  Elements  of  Vegetable  Materia  Medica, 
his  Medical  Botany,  his  Flora,  &c.,  both  with  splendid  coloured 
plates,  Coxe's  Medical  Museum,  Coxe's  Dispensatory,  the  Philadelphia 
Medical  Recorder,  the  American  Journal  of  the  Medical  Sciences,  the 
Philadelphia  Medical  Examiner,  Carson's  (splendid)  Medical  Botany, 
with  elegant  coloured  engravings,  Griffith's  Medical  Botany,  Rafi- 


868 

nesque's  Medical  Flora  (I  have  quoted  largely  from  this  latter  work, 
though  many  of  the  virtues  of  the  plants  described  by  him  depend 
rather  too  much  upon  the  Indians  to  be  considered  absolutely  esta- 
blished ;  he  was,  however,  ranked  among  our  most  distinguished 
naturalists),  the  New  York  Medical  Repository,  the  New  York 
Medical  and  Physical  JournaJ,  the  New  York  Medical  Magazine, 
the  New  York  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal  (and  particularly  to  a 
most  able  article  in  it,  upon  the  Medical  Botany  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  by  Dr.  Charles  A.  Lee,  the  editor),  the  Lyceum  of  Na- 
tural History  of  New  York,  and  the  writings  of  Mitchell,  Torrey, 
Gray,  Emmons,  Dewey,  Eaton,  &c. ;  the  New  England  Journal  of 
Medicine  and  Surgery,  the  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal, 
the  works  of  Bigelow,  Peck,  and  the  indefatigable  and  learned  Mar- 
tyn  Paine,  Nuttall,  and  others,  Sumner,  Ives,  Comstock,  Tully,  &c. 
Each  of  the  above  journals  and  authorities,  and  many  others  to 
which  time  will  not  allow  me  to  allude,  contain  numerous  papers  of 
much  value,  upon  the  medical  properties  of  individual  plants.  Mrs. 
Lincoln's  Botany,  and  the  able  and  elaborate  reports  upon  the  sub- 
jects of  natural  history,  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  States  of  New 
York  and  Massachusetts.  To  the  Professors  Dewey  and  Hitchcock 
I  am  indebted,  in  a  great  measure,  for  my  catalogue  of  the  names 
of  the  indigenous  medical  plants  of  this  State ;  and  also  to  Bigelow, 
in  his  last  edition  of  the  Plants  of  Boston.  To  these  latter  works, 
to  Gray  and  Torrey,  to  Lindley,  Eaton,  and  many  other  standard 
writers  on  botany,  some  one  or  more  of  which  must  be  in  the  pos- 
session of  all  my  readers,  I  refer  for  particular  descriptions  of  the 
plants  which  I  have  noticed.  As  a  minute  account  of  them  would 
enlarge  this  report  to  the  size  of  a  volume,  I  merely  refer  the  plants 
of  which  I  speak  to  the  natural  orders  and  the  sexual  system. 

Of  Pharmacopoeias,  Dispensatories,  Materia  Medicas,  and  works 
upon  Natural  History,  I  have  examined  the  ancient  "  Secretes  of 
Alexis"  in  black  letter,  published  in  1559 ;  Culpepper's  Herbal, 
published  in  1653,  containing  coloured  plates  of  more  than  four 
hundred  plants  ;  Salmon's  Dispensatory,  8th  edition,  1716 ;  Brooks' 
Natural  History,  and  his  Practice  of  Physic;  Quincy's  Dispensatory; 
the  Edinburgh  and  London  Dispensatories ;  the  Eclectic  Dispen- 
satory;  Pereira  and  Thomson's  Materia  Medicas  and  Dispensatories; 
Wood  and  Bache's  Dispensatory ;  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United 
States,  and  Sequel  of  the  Massachusetts  Medical  Society;  New 
York  Hospital,  &c. ;  Paris's  Pharmacologie;  Dunglison's  New  Reme- 
dies ;  Smith's  Physiology  of  Plants ;  the  invaluable  work  of  Lindley 


869 

on  Medical  Botany,  from  which  I  have  quoted  largely ;  Evelyn's 
Sylva,  folio ;  the  able  treatise  on  the  Botanical  History  and  Medical 
uses  of  British  Plants,  published  in  the  early  volumes  of  the  London 
Medical  and  Physical  Journal,  and  also  to  other  articles  in  that 
work ;  Thomson's  Abridgment,  in  quarto,  of  the  Transactions  of 
the  Royal  Society  of  London ;  Linnseus's  Species  Plantarum,  4  vols. 
octavo ;  De  Candolle,  Loudon,  Willdenow,  Sprengell,  Woodville, 
Pennant,  Lightfoot,  Cullen,  Rutherford,  Ray,  Murray,  Hill,  Dun- 
can, Lindelstolphe,  Dioscorides,  Boerhaave,  Duncan,  Strack,  Haller, 
Curtis,  Gmelin,  Wepfer,  Hoffmann,  Stokes,  Bergius,  Stork,  and  many 
other  standard  and  scientific  medical  writers,  which  time  will  not  per- 
mit me  to  enumerate.  On  this  subject,  I  have  also  endeavoured  to 
procure  information  from  sources  of  even  doubtful  authority.  From 
what  may  be  considered  by  some  as  empirical  authority.  I  have 
consulted  the  works  of  Henry,  who  has  written  a  large  volume  upon 
Medical  Botany,  with  numerous  plates.  Thomson's  Manual,  Matt- 
son's  Practice,  with  coloured  plates,  Stewart's  Healing  Art,  and  a 
host  of  herbals  and  family  practices,  which  have  been  hawked  about 
the  country  by  pedlers  and  petty  mapmen.  I,  too,  have  listened  to 
the  marvellous  stories  of  illiterate  old  women  and  Indian  doctors, 
concerning  the  virtues  of  plants,  and  have  endeavoured  to  draw 
useful  information  concerning  the  medical  virtues  of  our  indigenous 
plants.  From  these  results,  some  facts  may  be  collected  which  will 
enable  us  to  prepare  an  extended  and  useful  vegetable  Materia 
Medica  of  the  United  States. 


Catalogue  of  the  Indigenous  Medicinal  Plants  growing  in  Massa- 
chusetts, as  far  as  I  can  ascertain  them  ;  arranged  according  to  the 
Natural  System  of  Lindley,  and  to  the  Sexual  Systems  of  Linnaeus. 

It  is  presumed  that  every  physician  possesses  some  elementary 
treatise  on  botany,  which  will  describe  the  botanical  history  of  the 
plant  of  which  I  treat.  I  shall  not,  therefore,  give  the  botanical 
description  of  them,  any  farther  than  to  refer  to  the  orders,  classes, 
&c.,  as  this  would  enlarge  my  paper  to  the  size  of  a  volume. 


870 


CLASS  I.  VASCULARES.— FLOWERING  PLANTS. 
SUB-CLASS  I.   EXOGEKZE ;  OR,  DICOTYLEDONS. 

Tribe  1.  Angiospermse  ;  or,  seed  inclosed  in  a  covering,  or  pericarp. 
2.  Polypetalous  and  Achlamydeous  Plants. 

ORDER  1. — ARALIACE.E  ;  OR,  ARALIA  TRIBE. 

1.  Aralia  racemosa.     Spikenard.     Class  5,  Order  1,  Linnaeus. 
Eleven  species  of  aralia  are  noticed  in  the  new  Edinburgh  Ency- 
clopedia. 

2.  Aralia  nudicaulis.     Wild  sarsaparilla ;  wild  liquorice ;  sweet 
root. 

3.  Aralia  hispida,  or  Spinosa.     Prickly  ash ;    spikenard  tree ; 
angelica  tree  ;  prickly  elder ;  toothache  tree.     These  three  aralias 
are  officinal  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  Wood  and  Bache, 
&c.     They  are  stimulant,  emetic,  cathartic.     For  an  account  of  the 
specific  medical  properties  and  uses  of  the  officinal  plants  of  this 
State,  I  refer  to  the  sequel  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  Wood  and 
Bache,  and  to  the  standard  writers  upon  medical  botany  in  the 
United  States.     I  shall  merely  glance  at  the  leading  medical  pro- 
perties of  such,  without  entering  much  into  detail. 

4.  Panax  quinquefolium.     Ginseng ;  5,  2,  Linn. 

This  plant  is  stimulant,  cordial,  aromatic,  tonic,  and  expectorant. 
It  is  considered  the  divine  remedy  among  the  Chinese,  as  much  as 
the  lobelia,  or  Devil's  pepper,  is  thought  to  be  such  among  the 
Thompsonians  and  steamers.  In  China,  this  plant  is  called  ginseng, 
which,  in  the  Chinese  language,  signifies  mans  health. 

ORDER  2. — UMBELLIFER^I,  OR  UMBELLIFEROUS  TRIBE. 

5.  Conium  maculatum-,  5,  2,  L.    Water  parsley;  poison  parsley. 

6.  Cicuta  maculata.     Water  parsley;  death  of  man;  wild  hem- 
lock. 


8T1 

T.  Cicuta  bulbifera.  Water  hemlock ;  5,  2,  L.  These  three 
plants  are  officinal.  They  are  narcotic,  anodyne ;  and,  taken  in 
over  doses,  they  are  virulent,  narcotic,  acrid  poisons.  Here  is  an 
instance,  as  I  have  stated  in  my  preamble,  which  falsifies  the  asser- 
tion that  plants  of  the  same  class  and  order  possess  similar  medi- 
cinal properties.  The  anise,  dill,  and  many  other  umbelliferous 
plants  are  aromatic  and  stimulant,  and  not  narcotic  and  poisonous, 
while  the  coniums,  cicuta,  &c.,  in  large  doses,  are  deadly  poisons ; 
and  numerous  instances  have  occurred  of  death  having  ensued  from 
mistaking  the  seeds  of  cicuta  for  caraway,  and  the  roots  for  parsley. 
Five  species  of  conium  have  been  discovered,  and  three  of  cicuta. 

8.  Daucus  carota.    Wild  carrot;  5,  2,  L.    Sixteen  species  known. 
Off.     Stimulant,  diuretic,  carminative,  and  antiseptic.     In  the  form 
of  poultice  as  an  antiseptic,  few  articles  in  the  Materia  Medica  sur- 
pass it.     It  is  found  wild  in  Massachusetts,  and  it  is  also  exten- 
sively cultivated  as  an  esculent  vegetable. 

9.  Ligusticum.     Eighteen  species  known ;  5,  1,  L. 

Ligusticum  Scoticum.  Smellage ;  lovage.  It  is  sweet,  aro- 
matic, warm,  and  pungent,  similar  in  its  properties  to  opoponax  an- 
gelica, &c.  Although  the  whole  of  the  plant  is  used,  the  seeds  are 
the  most  powerful.  It  is  carminative,  diaphoretic,  and  emmena- 
gogue. 

10.  Angelica.     Five  species  known ;  5,  2,  L. 

Angelica  triquinata.  Wild  angelica ;  sometimes,  though  erro- 
neously, called  cow  parsnep.  This  plant  is  sometimes  mistaken  for 
cicuta,  or  poison  hemlock,  though  their  properties  are  entirely  dif- 
ferent. It  is  aromatic,  tonic,  carminative,  and  stomachic,  and  use- 
ful in  colic,  dyspepsia,  &c. 

11.  Sanicula.     Four  species  known  ;  5,  2,  L. 

Sanicula  Marylandica.  Sanicle.  It  is  supposed  to  be  astring- 
ent, partially  tonic,  and  diuretic,  and  it  has  been  used  with  success 
in  dropsy ;  and  in  decoction  in  dysentery,  leucorrhoea,  and  hemor- 
rhages. It  is  also  pulmonary  and  balsamic. 

12.  Sium.     Nine  species  known ;  5,  2,  L. 

Sium  latifolium.     Water  parsnep.     Narcotic,  supposed  by  some 


872 

to  be  diuretic,  emmenagogue,  &c.     Rafinesque  says  the  Sium  latifo- 
lium  is  certainly  poisonous. 

13.  Smyrnium.     Nine  species  known ;  5,  2,  L. 

Smyrnium  aureum.  Meadow  parsnep  ;  by  many  called  cow 
parsnep  ;  Alexanders.  A  warm  debate  has  been  carried  on  in  the 
Boston  Medical  Journal,  between  Dr.  Oliver  Partridge  and  Dr. 
James  Thacher,  both  over  eighty  years  of  age,  whether  this  is  the 
genuine  cow  parsnep,  or  whether  the  Heracleum  lanatum,  or  master- 
wort,  is  not  the  cow  parsnep.  The  former  maintaining  that  the  Smyr- 
nium is  the  true  cow  parsnep,  and  the  latter  that  the  Heracleum  is  the 
genuine  cow  parsnep.  "We  are  too  apt  to  be  led  astray  by  English 
names.  Dr.  Partridge  is  still  living  at  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  in  the 
ninety-sixth  year  of  his  age.  Dr.  Thacher  died  at  Plymouth,  two  or 
three  years  ago,  over  eighty  years  of  age.  After  reading  the  de- 
bate, I  leave  it  to  my  brethren  to  decide  which  is  correct.  Dr. 
Partridge  has  used  the  Smyrnium  successfully  in  cases  of  epilepsy, 
while  the  late  Dr.  Orne,  of  Salem,  has  also  used  the  Heracleum  with 
success  in  this  terrific  disease.  The  Smyrnium  is  a  warm,  stimu- 
lating aromatic. 

14.  Apium.     Two  species  known  ;  5,  2,  L. 

Apium  graveolens.  Celery,  and  wild  celery.  This  plant  grows 
wild  in  Massachusetts.  It  is  stimulant,  diuretic,  and  diaphoretic. 
It  is  used  much,  and  successfully,  in  cases  of  strangury,  gravel,  &c. 

ORDER  3. — RANUNCULACE.E,  OK  CROW-FOOT  TRIBE. 

15.  Hydrastis.     One  species  known;  13,  13,  L. 

Eydrastis  Qanadensis.  Yellow  puccoon ;  golden  seal ;  yellow 
eye-bright ;  yellow  root ;  Indian  paint ;  ground  raspberry.  This 
is  a  very  celebrated  remedy  with  empirics,  and,  I  believe,  with  the 
Thompsonians  and  steamers.  The  root  is  the  part  employed,  which 
is  very  bitter,  pungent,  and  nauseous.  It  is  put  down  in  the  Second- 
ary List  of  articles  in  Wood  and  Bache,  and,  I  believe,  in  the  U.  S. 
Pharm.  Rafinesque  speaks  of  it  as  a  tonic,  detergent,  and  ophthal- 
mic. It  is  in  high  reputation  in  Kentucky  and  Ohio  for  affections 
of  the  eyes.  The  Indians  use  it  for  ulcerated  legs,  and  other  local 
complaints.  It  is  employed  as  a  tonic  internally,  in  infusion  or 
tincture,  in  affections  of  the  liver  and  stomach.  This  plant  appears 
to  be  slightly  narcotic.  It  is  used  in  aphthous  ulcerations.  It  de- 
serves scientific  investigation. 


873 

16.  Aetsea.  Three  species  known ;  13,  1,  L.  These  three  are 
found  here,  and  are 

Actdea  rubra  ;  17.  Acteea  alba  ;  18.  A.  racemosa.  Cohosh  ; 
baneberry.  They  are  all  officinal.  The  roots  are  rather  bitter, 
and  are  sometimes  used  as  a  tonic.  They  are  also  nervine.  The 
whole  plant  and  berries  are  said  to  be  poisonous.  They  are  used 
in  decoction  in  chronic  rheumatism,  in  the  declining  stage  of  fevers, 
in  hysteria,  &c.  They  frequently  induce  perspiration.  The  recent 
plant  appears  to  be  stronger  than  the  dry.  It  should  be  avoided  in 
active  inflammations.  The  actaea  racemosa  has  sometimes  been  con- 
founded with  the  cimicifuga  racemosa. 

19.  Aquilegia.     Six  species  known ;  13,  5,  L. 

Aquilegia  Canadensis.  Columbine.  This  is  sometimes  culti- 
vated in  our  gardens,  though  indigenous.  It  is  similar  in  its  pro- 
perties to  the  A.  vulgaris,  which  is  said  to  be  a  gentle  laxative, 
diuretic,  and  emmenagogue.  Most  parts  of  the  plant  are  in  use  in 
Europe  (Raf.).  The  seeds  are  acid,  and  somewhat  oleaginous:  and, 
infused  in  wine,  they  have  been  used  in  jaundice. 

20.  Clematis.     Thirty  species  known  ;  13,  13,  L. 

Clematis  Virginica.  Virgin's  bower.  The  fibrous  part  of  this 
plant  may  be  converted  into  paper.  It  is  very  acrid,  and  is  em- 
ployed as  a  caustic  for  the  purpose  of  cleansing  ulcers.  The  ex- 
tract is  used  for  pains  in  the  bones,  in  doses  of  from  one  to  two 
grains.  Frictions  of  the  oily  liniment  of  it  are  said  to  cure  the 
itch.  It  is  also  used  as  a  diuretic  and  sudorific  in  chronic  rheuma- 
tism, and  in  palsy.  The  bruised  green  leaves  are  employed  by 
quacks  as  cathartics  in  foul  ulcers.  On  account  of  the  irritating 
properties  of  this  plant,  it  was  called  by  Stark  and  the  older 
writers  Flammula  jovis.  As  a  diuretic,  he  gave  four  ounces  three 
times  a-day,  made  by  infusing  two  or  three  drachms  of  the  leaves 
in  a  pint  of  water.  A  strong  infusion,  frequently  applied,  is  said  to 
cure  the  itch. 

21.  Anemone.     Thirty-three  species  known  ;  13,  13,  L. 
Anemone  nemorosa.     "Wood  anenione ;  wind  flower.     Off.     The 

whole  plant,  and,  in  fact,  the  whole  of  this  genus,  are  very  acrid  and 
irritating.     It  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  Spanish  flies.     Kalm  says 
the  hairy  leaves,  infused  in  alcohol,  are  efficacious  in  toothache,  when 
applied  to  hollow  teeth. 
VOL.  II.— 56 


874 

22.  Anemone  pratensis.     The  extract  of  this  is  said  to  be  useful 
in  cutaneous  affections.     Dose,  two  or  three  grains,  gradually  in- 
creasing to  a  scruple.     On  this  point,  Storck,  Gmelin,  and  Bonnet 
all   agree.       The    anemones   are   used  in  monthly   suppressions. 
Hand's  Phys.  and  Surgeon. 

23.  Coptis  trifolia;  13,  13,  L.      Gold  thread;  mouth  root.    Off. 
Tonic,  astringent,  and  in  great  repute  in  canker,  and  ulcerations  of 
the  mouth. 

24.  Hepatica  trilola.      Liverwort ;    13,  13,  L.       This  plant  is 
brought  into  considerable  repute,  of  late,  for  the  cure  of  coughs  and 
consumptions.      Notwithstanding  all  the  boasted  panaceas  of  the 
quacks,  this  fell  destroyer  still  reigns  triumphant,  and  probably  the 
day  will  never  arrive  when  seated  consumption  will  be  curable. 

25.  TJialictrum.     Twenty-seven  species  known  ;  13,  13,  L. 
Thalictrum  dioicum.      Meadow  rue.     A  poultice  made  of  the 

leaves  of  this  plant  has  been  known  to  relieve  the  pain  of  sciatica. 
The  roots  of  some  of  the  species  have  been  considered  useful  in  the 
bites  of  snakes,  and  the  leaves  have  been  used  in  making  spruce 
beer. 

26.  Caltha  palustris ;    13,  13,  L.      Cowslip ;  Marsh  marygold. 
An  excellent  pot  herb,  though  acrid  when  young. 

27.  Ranunculus.     Eighty-eight  species  known  ;  14,  1,  L. 

Ranunculus  acris.  Buttercup ;  crowfoot ;  yellow  weed ;  mea- 
dow bloom ;  yellow  pilewort.  This  is  put  down  in  the  secondary 
list  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  It  is  an  acrid  and  poison- 
ous plant.  From  depending  on  the  English  name,  some  have  mis- 
taken the  geranium  maculatum  for  this.  See  a  communication  from 
Dr.  Partridge  and  myself,  in  the  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical 
Journal,  vol.  xviii.  March  28,  1838.  This  plant  is  so  Jbrid  that  it 
has  hardly  ever  been  given  internally,  as  it  is  apt  to  occasion  in- 
flammation of  the  stomach.  Applied  to  the  skin,  it  will  blister 
speedily,  and  does  not  produce  strangury  like  the  Spanish  fly. 

28.  The  Ranunculus  sceleratus  possesses   properties  similar  to 
this. 


875 

29.  Delphinium.     Sixteen  species  known  ;  13,  8,  L. 
Delphinium  consolidum.     Larkspur.    Sec.  U.  S.  P.    This  plant  is 

supposed  to  possess  the  properties  of  delphinium  staphisagria,  which 
has  been  much  employed  in  medicine.  It  has  been  thought  to  pos- 
sess the  power  of  healing  or  consolidating  wounds ;  hence  the  name 
consolida.  The  seeds  are  acrid  and  diuretic,  and  produce  vomit- 
ing and  purging.  A  tincture,  prepared  by  infusing  an  ounce  of  the 
seeds  in  a  pint  of  alcohol,  has  been  of  service  in  spasmodic  asthma, 
and  in  dropsy,  in  the  dose  of  ten  drops,  gradually  increasing  until 
the  system  is  affected.  This  tincture  kills  lice  on  the  human  head. 

30.  Aconitum.     On  the  authority  of  Dewey,  I  place  this  among 
the  indigenous  plants  of  Massachusetts.     Sixteen  species  known; 
18,  2,  L. 

Aconitum  napellus.  "Wolf's-bane.  Off.  Schoepf  says  this  plant 
grows  in  Virginia.  It  is  a  most  powerful  narcotic,  for  the  proper- 
ties of  which  I  refer  to  Wood  and  Bache,  U.  S.  Pharm.,  Orfila,  and 
other  standard  writers. 

31.  Nigella.     Five  species  known ;  13,  5,  L. 

Nigella  damascena.  Fennel  flower.  Sec.  It  is  used  in  medicine 
merely  as  an  aromatic. 

32.  Cratsegus.     Nine  species  known ;  12,  2,  L. 

Cratsegus  coccinea.  Thorn-bush.  Fruit  red  or  yellow,  acid  or 
sweetish.  They  are  made  into  preserves,  which  are  stomachic,  anti- 
emetic,  and  good  against  diarrhoea.  The  leaves  and  flowers  are 
pectoral,  and  used  in  hooping  and  other  coughs. 

ORDER  4. — PAPAVERACE.E. 

33.  Chelidonium.     Six  species  known  ;  13,  1,  L. 
Ohelidonium  majus.    Celandine.  Sec.     This  plant  is  acrid  and 

pungent,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  expectorant.  Formerly  much 
used  for  the  cure  of  warts  and  herpetic  eruptions.  Much  was  said 
of  it  formerly  as  being  famous  for  the  cure  of  syphilis.  But  little 
dependence  is  now  placed  upon  it  in  this  affection. 

34.  Sanguinaria.     One  species  known  ;  13,  1,  L. 
Sanguinaria  Canadensis.    Blood-root ;  puccoon,  &c.     Off. 

Most  elaborate  treatises  have  been  written  upon  this  most  valua- 
ble plant  by  all  writers  upon  botany  and  medical  botany,  and  many 


876 

medical  writers.  The  most  extensive  article  ever  published  on  this 
subject  was  written  by  Dr.  Tully,  of  New  Haven,  and  published  in 
the  Philadelphia  Medical  Recorder,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 
To  me  it  has  always  been  a  subject  of  wonder  that  the  steamers,  or 
Thompsonians,  had  not  selected  this  article  for  their  almost  divine 
adoration,  rather  than  their  more  dangerous  lobelia. 

ORDER  5. — NYMPIIIAOEJS. 

85.  Nymphoe.     Ten  species;  18,  9,  L. 

Nymplm  odorata.     White  pond  lily ;  sweet  pond  lily.    Sec. 

In  my  practice,  I  have  found  a  poultice  of  the  root  of  this  plant 
more  efficacious  as  a  suppurative  application  than  any  other  article 
I  have  ever  used.  It  is  grated  either  in  the  dry  or  green  state,  and 
boiled  in  milk  and  water  and  thickened  with  bran  to  the  consistence 
of  a  poultice.  I  have  never  used  the  plant  for  any  other  purpose, 
though  it  may  possess  the  other  properties  spoken  of  by  writers  on 
the  subject. 

86.  Nupliar  advena;  18,  1,  L.     This  was  taken  from  the  genus 
Nymphto  (yellow  water  lily).     It  possesses  properties  similar  to 
the  nyrnphao,  but  in  less  degree. 

ORDER  8. — PODOPHYLLLE. 

87.  Podophyllum.     Three  species  and  several  varieties;  18, 1,  L. 
Podophyllum  montanum,  vel  peltatum.    Mandrake ;  May  apple, 

&c.  Off.     This  is  one  of  our  best  cathartics.     The  fruit  is  edible. 

ORDER  9. — CRUCIFERJE. 

88.  Sinapb.     Twenty-six  species  known ;  15,  2,  L. 

>SY/f(f/>/x  iihjni.  lUiu'k  imishml.  OfV.  The  external  employment 
of  this  article  in  the  form  of  cataplasms  is  almost  superseding  the 
use  of  cantharides. 

89.  Raphanns  raphaniatrum  ;  15,  2,  L.     Charlock,  or  chadlock. 
This  plant  is  similar  to  mustard  in  its  properties.    It  is  a  pernicious 
weed  to  our  farmers,  choking  up  their  oat-fields. 

40.  Lepidium.     Thirty-seven  species  known ;  15,  2,  L. 

Lepidium  Virginicum.  Pepper  cress  ;  wild  pepper  grass.  This 
plant  is  aromatic,  acrid,  and  diuretic.  It  is  useful  in  scurvy,  asthma, 
dropsy,  &c.  Raf. 


8TT 

41.  CoMearia.     Twelve  species  known  ;  15,  2,  L. 

Cocldearia  armoracia.  Horseradish.  Off.  This  is  a  warm  stimu- 
lant rubefacient.  In  addition  to  the  other  properties  of  it  mentioned 
by  writers  on  the  subject,  an  infusion  of  it  in  milk,  and  sweetened 
with  honey,  is  a  most  efficacious  gargle  for  hoarseness. 

42.  Cocldearia  officinalis.    15,  2,  L.    Scurvy  grass.   Off.    Similar 
in  its  properties  to  horseradish ;  used  in  chronic  obstructions  of  the 
viscera,  in  the  scurvy,  and  in  chronic  rheumatism.    A  healthy,  early 
salad.    The  infusion  of  the  plant  in  wine,  or  the  juice  of  it,  is  a  good 
application  in  spongy  gums.    By  distillation,  alcohol  is  impregnated 
with  its  virtues,  and  the  distilled  spirit  is  useful  in  paralysis.  (Wood 
and  Bache.)     The  fresh  root  is  purgative,  and  has  been  used  after 
poisoning  by  corrosive  sublimate. 

43.  TMaspi  bursae  pastoris.     Shepherd's  purse. 

44.  Dentaria  diphylla.     Tooth  root. 

45.  Oardamine  Pennsylvanica. 

46.  Draba  verna.     All  the  above  possess  properties  similar  to 
the  cochlearias. 

ORDER  10. — FUMARACEJE. 
Fumaria.     Thirty  species ;  17,  18,  L. 

47.  Fumaria  officinalis.    Fumitory.    Sec.     This  plant  is  tonic, 
bitter,  and  antiscorbutic.     It  is  in  extensive  use  for  cutaneous  erup- 
tions.    Its  virtues  principally  reside  in   the  dried  plant.     It  has 
been  said  to  cure  the  epilepsy.     A  notorious  empiric  directs  to  pour 
two  quarts  of  boiling  water  on  two  ounces  of  the  dried  plant,  and  he 
uses  it  in  all  foul  eruptions  of  the  skin,  by  letting  the  patient  drink 
constantly  of  it,  and  washing  the  parts  freely  with  it.     For  a  sto- 
machic, infuse  two  ounces  of  the  dried  leaves  and  plant  in  three 
pints  of  Madeira  wine,  rum,  or  brandy,  of  which  the  dose  is  a  wine- 
glassful  of  the  wine,  or  a  tablespoonful  of  the  spirit  three  times  a 
day,  on  an  empty  stomach. 

ORDER  11. — CAPPARIDE^. 

48.  Oleome.     Twenty-four  species  known ;  15,  2,  L. 


878 

Cleome  dodecandria.  False  mustard.  Used  in  Cochin  China  as  a 
counter-irritant  in  the  same  way  as  mustard.  The  root  is  used 
in  the  United  States  as  a  vermifuge. 

.ORDER  12. — BERBERIDE.E. 

49.  Berberis.     Barberry ;  6,  1,  L. 

Berberis  vulgaris.  Barberry.  Sec.  The  whole  plant  is  agreeably 
acid.  It  probably  contains  the  tartaric  acid.  The  bark  is  of  a 
yellow  colour,  and  bitter.  The  red  berries  and  the  leaves  are  re- 
frigerant, and  slightly  antiscorbutic.  The  conserve  is  an  agreeable 
acid,  somewhat  purgative.  It  has  been  used  in  leucorrhoea,  canker 
in  the  mouth,  &c. 

50.  Leontice.    Four  species ;  6,  1,  L. 

Leontice  thalictro'ides.  Cohosh;  pappoose  root;  squaw  root;  yel- 
low ginseng,  &c.  This  plant  is  different  from  the  Actseas,  which  are 
sometimes  called  cohosh,  and  must  not  be  confounded  with  them.  It 
is  the  Caulophyllum  thalictro'ides  of  Rafinesque.  The  root  is  the  only 
part  employed.  It  is  demulcent,  antispasmodic,  sudorific,  and  em- 
menagogue.  The  Indians  recommend  it  in  colic,  sore  throat,  rheu- 
matism, dropsy,  and  a  variety  of  other  complaints.  The  Indian 
women  use  it  successfully  in  cases  of  lingering  parturition,  by  giving 
constantly  a  strong  tea  of  it  during  labour,  or  a  week  or  two  before 
the  expected  period.  It  appears  to  be  peculiarly  suited  to  female 
complaints.  It  is  a  powerful  emmenagogue,  and  promotes  the  delivery 
of  the  menstrual  flux,  and  dropsical  discharges.  It  should  be  given 
in  warm  infusion,  decoction,  tincture,  syrup,  or  cordial.  It  con- 
tains gum,  resin,  and  oil.  Raf. 

ORDER  13. — MAGNOLIACEJJI. 

51.  Liriodendron  tulipifera ;  13, 13,  L.     White  wood  tulip  tree. 
Sec.     This  stately  tree,  which  bears  the  most  magnificent  flowers,  is 
seen  in  Massachusetts.     I  have  seen  immense  forests  of  it  in  all 
their   grandeur   in   the   Western    States.     The   bark,  particularly 
the  bark  of  the  root,  is  stimulant,  tonic,  and  diuretic.     It  is  much 
used  in  rheumatism,  intermittents,  dyspepsia,  &c.     It  has  been  pro- 
posed as  a  substitute  for  Peruvian  bark ;  used  for  bots  in  horses, 
and  worms  in  children.     An  elegant  coloured  plate  of  it  may  be 
found   in  those   splendid   works,   Bigelow's  Medical   Botany  and 
Barton's  Flora. 


879 

52.  Magnolia.     At  least  nine  species  to  be  found  in  the  United 
States ;  13,  13,  L. 

Magnolia  glauca.  Beaver  tree,  &c.  Sec.  This  species  extends 
throughout  the  New  England  States.  It  is  similar  in  its  properties 
to  the  Liriodendron,  but  more  bitter  and  tonic.  Dr.  Procter  found, 
upon  analysis,  that  the  bark  of  the  Magnolia  glauca  afforded  a  vola- 
tile oil,  a  green  resin,  and  a  peculiar  crystallizable  substance  similar 
to  Liriodendron. 

ORDER  14. — LAURINE.E. 

53.  Laurus.     Forty-one  species;  9,  1,  L. 

Laurus  benzoin.  Fever-bush ;  spice-wood,  &c.  Sec.  Every  part 
of  the  shrub  has  an  agreeable,  spicy  taste ;  but  it  is  strongest  in  the 
bark  and  berries.  It  makes  an  agreeable  aromatic  drink  in  infusion 
or  decoction ;  and  is  useful,  like  sage,  in  fevers.  By  some,  it  is 
considered  vermifuge.  It  has,  also,  been  used  extensively  in  inter- 
mittents.  The  dried  and  powdered  berries  were  used,  during  the 
Revolutionary  war,  for  allspice.  The  oil  of  the  berries  is  stimulant, 
and  is  used  for  bruises,  itch,  colic,  &c.  The  leaves  and  berries  are 
used  in  dysentery.  Raf.  Lindley. 

54.  Laurus  sassafras.  Off.     The  root  of  this  plant  is  highly  aro- 
matic and  stimulant.     The  pith   is  very  demulcent,  and  forms  a 
mucilage  which  is  useful  in  dysentery,  catarrh,  and  ophthalmia. 

ORDER  24. — MALVACE^I. 

55.  Althaea.     Ten  species  known;  16,  13,  L. 

Althsea  officinalis.  Mallows.  Off.  This  plant,  although  ranked 
among  those  which  are  naturalized,  is  also  indigenous  in  Massa- 
chusetts. It  is  very  mucilaginous;  and  Buckholdt  states  that 
the  dry  roots  of  this  plant,  boiled  in  water,  give  out  half  their 
weight  of  a  gummy  matter,  very  similar  in  its  properties  to  gum 
tragacanth,  gum  Arabic,  &c.,  and  which  will  more  speedily  dissolve 
gum  myrrh  and  other  resins  than  gum  Arabic,  starch,  &c.  It  is 
one  of  our  purest  demulcents. 

56.  Hibiscus.     Sixty-nine  species ;  16,  13,  L. 

Hibiscus  palustris.  Marsh  hibiscus  ;  sweet  weed.  This  plant  is 
also  demulcent.  The  hibiscus  esculentus  is  edible,  and  is  considered 
a  delicacy. 


880 


57.  Malva.     Sixty-two  species ;  17,  L. 
Malva  sylvestris.     High  mallows.    Off. 

58.  Malva  crispa.     Curled  mallows. 


59.  Malva  rotundifolia.     Bound  mallows.     All  the   species  of 
mallows  are  mucilaginous  and  emollient,  and  are  useful  in  catarrhal 
affections,  dysentery,  and  in  all  the  affections  of  the  urinary  organs. 
Both  the  high  and  the  low  mallows  are  much  used  as  emollient 
enemas.     They  are  also  used  in  emollient  poultices  for  tumours  and 
inflammations.     They  are  of  service  in   gonorrhoea,  and   in  sore- 
throat  and  lungs. 

60.  Sida  dbutilon.     Indian   mallows.     This  plant  is  also  emol- 
lient and  diuretic. 

ORDER  25. — TILIACE.E. 

61.  Tilia  Americana.     Bass-wood,  or  Linn ;  13,  13,  L. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  trees  we  possess,  not  only  on 
account  of  the  lumber  it  produces,  but  on  account  of  its  medicinal 
properties.  Withering  says  it  makes  the  best  charcoal  for  gun- 
powder, drawing,  &c.  I  have  long  wondered  why  it  has  not  been 
adopted  into  our  materia  medica  as  an  officinal.  Dr.  Walmsley 
first  called  the  attention  of  the  public  to  it  as  a  remedy  in  burns,  in 
a  letter  to  Dr.  Benjamin  Smith  Barton,  of  Philadelphia,  as  early  at 
least  as  1803,  and  it  was  published  in  his  admirable  Medical  and 
Physical  Journal.  The  part  of  the  bark  made  use  of  by  Dr. 
Walmsley  is  the  liber  or  inner  bark.  He  generally  used  it  freshly 
taken  from  the  tree  ;  but  it  answers  very  well  when  carefully  dried. 
In  either  case,  it  is  cut  into  small  pieces  and  macerated  in  cold  water, 
frequently  stirring  it  about:  In  a  short  time,  the  water  becomes 
extremely  viscid,  and  with  this  the  injured  part  is  kept  constantly 
wetted.  In  addition  to  its  mucilaginous  properties,  it  is  also  slightly 
astringent.  I  agree  with  Dr.  Walmsley,  from  whom  I  first  derived 
my  information  on  the  subject,  that  I  have  found  more  benefit  from 
it  in  cases  of  burns  than  from  any  other  remedy  which  I  have  ever 
employed.  I  more  frequently  make  it  into  a  poultice  by  boiling  the 
inner  bark  in  milk  and  water,  to  the  consistence  of  a  mucilage,  and 
make  a  thin  poultice  by  the  addition  of  a  little  wheat  or  rye  bran, 
and  apply  it  to  the  affected  part.  It  is  much  more  soothing  than 
any  other  application  I  have  ever  tried,  giving  relief  when  topical 


881 

anodyne  applications  have  failed.  I  now  use  it  very  extensively  in 
old  wounds,  bruises,  and  ulcers.  I  do  not  recollect  that  any  writers 
upon  materia  medica  or  medical  botany,  except  Dr.  Walmsley,  have 
ever  recommended  this  valuable  article. 

ORDER  36. — HYPERICEANE^I. 

62.  Hypericum.     One  hundred  species  ;  13,  5,  L. 
Hypericum  perforatum.     St.  Johnswort.    Sec.     The  leaves  are 

astringent ;  an  infusion  has  been  used  in  gargles  and  lotions  (Lind- 
ley).  This  plant  is  balsamic,  somewhat  styptic,  pectoral,  vulnerary, 
and  bitter.  The  flowers  are  the  parts  which  are  principally  used. 
Although  they  are  of  a  yellow  colour,  they  have  the  property  of 
dying  oils  red.  Infused  in  bear's  fat  or  olive  oil,  they  make  a  beautiful, 
red,  balsamic  ointment  for  sores,  wounds,  tumours,  ulcers,  and  rough 
skin.  The  infusion  of  the  leaves  is  of  service  in  affections  of  the 
breast  and  lungs.  It  is  also  used  in  diarrhoea,  hysteria,  mania,  and 
low  spirits.  A  syrup  of  it,  with  sage,  is  said  to  be  efficacious  in 
croup.  Formed  into  an  ointment  with  bark  of  elder,  stramonium, 
and  bittersweet,  and  used  in  scirrhosities  in  the  breast,  it  is  thought 
to  be  very  efficacious.  Raf.  According  to  B.  S.  Barton,  this  plant 
infused  in  spirit  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  diarrhoea,  and  in  obstructed 
perspiration.  The  Germans  in  Pennsylvania  consider  it  a  specific 
in  cases  of  diarrhoea.  The  season  in  which  the  plant  is  to  be 
gathered  and  dried  is  from  the  end  of  June  to  the  first  of  August. 
It  is  called  St.  Johnswort  on  account  of  its  being  in  blossom  on 
St.  John's  day.  Dr.  Muhlenberg  first  recommended  this  plant  in 
diarrhoeas  and  dysenteries.  It  is  supposed  that  it  is  the  balsam  or 
essential  oil  which  is  to  be  found  in  the  perforations  of  the  leaves 
or  petals,  which  impart  a  fine  colour  to  the  spirit  in  which  they  are 
infused.  "When  it  is  given  to  children  for  what  is  called  the 
"  summer  disorder,"  or  vomiting  and  purging,  Dr.  Withering 
recommends  this  tincture,  prepared  with  brandy,  with  the  addition 
of  a  small  quantity  of  cinnamon,  given  in  a  little  sweetened  water. 
It  should  not  be  given  in  dysentery  till  after  purgation ;  but  in  diar- 
rhoea we  need  not  wait  for  this.  It  is  a  plant  which  deserves  further 
investigation.  See  an  interesting  article  on  it  in. Barton's  Med.  and 
Phys.  Journ. 

63.  Hypericum  Virginicum.   Virginia  St.  Johnswort.    This  plant 
possesses  properties  similar  to  the  above. 


882 

ORDER  38. — SAXIFRAGEJE. 

64.  Saxifraga.     Seventy  species ;  10,  2,  L. 

Saxifraga  Pennsylvania.  Rock  saxifrage.  This  plant  is  bitter 
and  astringent.  The  roots  are  useful  in  gravel.  Raf. 

65.  Mitella  diphylla.      Currant  leaf;  10,  2,  L.     This  plant  is 
refrigerant,  and  is  much  used  as  a  cooling  drink  in  fevers. 

66.  Tiarella  cordifolia,     Miterwort ;   10,  2,  L.     The  root  is  con- 
sidered to  be  both  mucilaginous  and  pectoral. 

ORDER  39. — HAMAMELIACEJE. 

67.  Hamamelis ;  4,  2,  L. 

Hamamelis  Virginica,  Witch-hazel ;  winter  bloom  ;  pistacha  nut. 
Sec.  This  singular  shrub  does  not  begin  to  flower  till  late  in  the 
fall,  and  the  flowers  do  not  drop  off  till  winter.  The  fruit  does  not 
ripen  till  the  following  fall.  The  bark  is  a  bitter  astringent,  with 
a  sweet  and  somewhat  pungent  taste.  By  the  Indians  it  has  been  em- 
ployed as  a  sedative  and  resolvent  in  painful  tumours,  and  in  external 
inflammations.  It  may  be  used  in  the  form  of  a  poultice,  or  of  a 
wash  in  the  piles,  and  in  inflammation  of  the  eyes.  The  infusion 
of  the  leaves  is  similar  in  its  properties  to  that  of  the  bark,  and  is 
given  in  affections  of  the  bowels,  and  in  hemorrhagic  complaints. 
A  tea  made  of  the  leaves  is  good  in  suppression  of  the  menses,  for 
pain  in  the  side,  breasts,  &c.,  and  for  hematemesis.  It  is  thought  to 
be  a  mild  astringent,  and  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for  statice  and 
many  other  mild  astringents.  Raf.  It  is  thought  by  some  to  pos- 
sess anodyne  properties ;  but  I  am  not  aware  of  the  fact. 

ORDER  49. — CIRCORACE^E. 

68.  Circsea  lutetiana,  2,  2,  L.     Enchanter's  nightshade.     It  de- 
rived its  name  from  being  much  celebrated  in  former  times  in  the 
mysteries  of  witchcraft,  and  for  the  purpose  of  raising  the  devil. 
This  superstition  is  fostered  from  the  fact  of  its  growing  among 
the  mouldering  bones  and  decayed  coffins  in  the  ruinous  vaults  of 
Strafford  church  in  Lincolnshire,  Eng.     Darwin,   in    his  Botanic 
Garden,    has  some   amusing  remarks  upon   it   in  connection  with 
animal  magnetism.     The  enchanters  made  use  of  this  method  by 
the  employment  of  this  plant.     This  same  kind  of  enchantment, 
without  the  use  of  this  plant,  was  revived  in  this  country  in  18  37 
and  1838,  and  the  mummery  went  down  the  throats  of  many  of 


883 

our  easily-gulled  people.  The  good  sense  of  the  great  body  of  our 
inhabitants  is,  however,  fast  consigning  it  to  the  "  tomb  of  all  the 
Capulets." 

ORDER  52. — SALICARLLE. 

69.  Lythrum  verticillatum.    Willow  herb.     This  plant  is  slightly 
astringent,  and  somewhat  mucilaginous.     It  is  of  some  use  in  diar- 
rhoeas and  dysenteries. 

ORDER  62. — ARISTOLOCHLE. 

70.  Asarum.     Four  species;  12,  1,  L. 

Asarum  Canadense.  Wild  ginger;  snakeroot.  Sec.  A  warm, 
stimulant;  aromatic,  like  the  aristolochia  serpentaria,  but  not  emetic. 
Lind.  It  is  also  similar  in  its  properties  to  the  Virginia  snakeroot, 
but  more  aromatic.  Its  properties  may  be  extracted  by  water  and 
by  spirit.  It  is  said  to  be  injured  by  boiling.  It  is  useful  in  the 
low  stages  of  fevers,  in  nervous  affections,  palpitations,  and  similar 
complaints.  When  a  company  of  Indians  from  Canada  were  in 
Deerfield,  in  the  year  1837,  I  was  affected  with  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  and  they  were  much  offended  with  me  because  I  would  not 
take  one  of  their  preparations  which  contained  a  large  proportion  of 
this  snakeroot.  They  use  it  extensively  in  many  complaints.  The 
best  preparation  is  said,  by  Rafinesque,  to  be  a  cordial  made  with  the 
tincture  and  syrup.  The  tincture  is  coloured  dark  red  by  the  resin. 
A  fine  cephalic  snuff  may  be  made  of  the  powder  of  the  root,  useful 
in  disorders  of  the  head  and  eyes.  A  pleasant  kind  of  wine  or  beer 
may  be  made,  by  infusing  the  whole  plant  in  fermented  wine  or  beer. 
Dr.  Firth  says  he  cured  tetanus  with  a  decoction  of  the  roots. 

ORDER  73. — ROSACES. 

71.  Rosa.     Fifty-one  species;  13,  13,  L. 
Rosa  rubiginosde.     Sweet-briar. 

72.  Rosa  canina.     Dog-rose.     These  two  species  are  indigenous. 
The  properties  of  all  the  roses  are  similar.     As  some  of  them  are 
officinal,  I  refer  the  reader  to  the  standard  works  on  the  materia 
medica,  and  to  our  pharmacopoeias. 

73.  Potentilla.     Fifty-four  species;  12,  13,  L. 
Potentilla  reptans.     Cinquefoil. 


884 

74.  Potentilla  Canadensis.     Five  finger.     The  above  are  mild 
astringents,  and  have  a  bitterish,  sweetish  taste.     They  were  for- 
merly in  some  demand  for  the  cure  of  diarrhoeas,  and  in  those  cases 
where  mild  astringents  were  required.     Properties  similar  to  tor- 
mentilla. 

75.  Cf-eum.     Fifteen  species;  12,  3,  L. 

O-eum  urbanum.  Synonym — Greum  rivale;  G-eum  Virginianum. 
Off.  Avens-root;  chocolate-root;  herb  bennet;  cure-all;  throat- 
root.  This  plant  is  strongly  astringent,  tonic,  and  stomachic.  It 
contains  tannin,  adaganthine,  gum,  resin,  and  a  peculiar  oil  heavier 
than  water.  Raf. 

76.  Agrimonia.     Five  species;  12,  2,  L. 

Agrimonia  eupatoria.  Common  agrimony.  Sec.  Celebrated  as 
a  vermifuge;  also  used  in  decoction  as  an  astringent  gargle  and 
lotion.  A  common  ingredient  in  "herb  teas."  Lindley.  It  has 
been  used  in  diseases  of  the  genital  organs,  according  to  Alibert, 
and  Pallas  says  it  has  been  employed  in  Russia,  as  a  remedy  for 
worms  in  domestic  animals.  The  Cyclopedia  of  Practical  Medicine 
says  it  is  employed  in  the  materia  medica  of  the  Indians,  who  use 
it  as  a  febrifuge;  and  Kalm  says  the  Canadians  use  it  in  the  same 
manner,  and  for  the  same  purposes.  Its  virtues  reside  in  an  essen- 
tial oil,  which  turns  black  with  the  salts  of  iron. 

77.  Fragaria.     Nine  species;  12,  13,  L. 

Fragaria  vesca.  Common  strawberries  were  used  medicinally  in 
the  days  of  Hoffmann  and  Linnaeus,  and  have  been  considered  useful 
in  consumption,  gout,  scurvy,  and  gravel.  They  are  considered  re- 
frigerant, diaphoretic,  pectoral,  and  astringent.  Infused  in  water, 
they  have  the  property  of  curing  chilblains,  when  washed  by  it. 
The  roots  are  tonic,  astringent,  and  bitter.  They  contain  tannin 
and  gallic  acid,  and  are  good  in  diarrhoea,  hemorrhages,  &c.  A 
popular  remedy  in  dysentery,  according  to  the  newspapers,  is  to 
chew  the  whole  plant  and  swallow  it. 

78.  Rulus.    Forty-six  species;  13,  13,  L. 

Rubus  villosus.  High  blackberry.  See  Bigelow's  splendid  plates, 
and  a  description  in  his  elegant  Medical  Botany. 

79.  Rulus  occidentalis.     Black  raspberry. 


885 

80.  Rubus  strigosus.     Red  raspberry. 

81.  Rubus  odoratus.     Flowering  raspberry.     The  berries  of  these 
plants  are  well  known  and  delicious.     The  roots  are  astringent  and 
tonic. 

82.  Prunus;  12,  1,  L.     Plumbs  and  cherries.     Rafinesque  says 
there  are  forty  wild  species  known,  and  only  twenty-five  described 
by  authors.     The  most  medicinal  are  the  Prunus  Virginiana,  sero- 
tina,  and  Canadensis.     The  bark  of  all  these  is  bitter  and  astrin- 
gent, and  contains  prussic  acid.    These  barks  are  the  bases  of  several 
quack  medicines  for  the  cure  of  consumption.     In  large  doses,  the 
bark  is  narcotic  and  vermifuge. 

83.  Sorbus.     Four  species;  12,  2,  L. 

Sorlus  Americana.  Mountain-ash;  service  tree.  Indian  name, 
Moosee  Missy.  This  elegant  tree,  whose  clustered  red  berries  adorn 
our  door  yards  during  the  winter,  is  valuable  as  a  medicine.  The 
bark  tastes  and  smells  very  much  like  cherry  tree  bark ;  but  it  is 
more  astringent,  and  contains  prussic  acid.  It  is  used  like  the  Pe- 
ruvian bark.  The  Indians  recommend  it  as  a  tonic  in  diseases  of 
the  heart. 

84.  Spirsea.     Twenty  species ;  12,  5,  L. 
Spiraeatomentosa.     Hard-hack;  steeple  bush.     I  have  found  this 

to  be  one  of  our  most  powerful  astringents,  both  in  the  form  of  in- 
fusion and  extract.  It  is  also  powerfully  tonic.  It  may  be  used 
after  proper  evacuations  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  cholera  infan- 
tum.  It  is  also  useful  in  cases  of  debility,  in  the  absence  of  inflam- 
mation and  fever.  It  agrees  better  with  the  stomach  than  any  other 
astringent.  Dose  of  the  extract  from  five  to  fifteen  grains ;  of  a 
very  strong  decoction,  from  one  to  two  ounces.  It  is  well  worthy  of 
a  place  as  an  officinal  in  our  Materia  Medica. 

85.  Spiraea  alba.     White  hard-hack.     Is  similar  in  its  properties 
to  the  above. 

ORDER  77. — LEGUMINOS.E. 

86.  Apios.    17,  10,  L. 

Apios  tuberosa.  Ground-nut ;  Indian  potato.  The  root  is  escu- 
lent, and  was  formerly  cultivated  by  the  Indians.  It  deserves 


886 

further  cultivation,  especially  since  we  are  suffering  from  the  potato 
rot,  as  it  is  quite  as  nourishing,  it  is  supposed,  as  the  potato. 

8T.  Cassia.     Seventy-five  species ;  10,  1,  L. 

Cassia  Marylandica.  American  senna;  wild  senna.  Off.  All 
the  species  of  senna  are  simply  cathartic,  though  some  operate  more 
powerfully  than  others ;  and  they  are  apt  to  occasion  griping,  unless 
qualified  by  the  seeds  of  anise,  caraway,  &c.  '  The  American  senna 
is  not  so  powerful  as  the  East  Indian,  or  Alexandrian ;  the  latter  is 
much  the  better.  The  dose  of  the  American  senna  is  one  ounce  in 
decoction.  A  tea  of  the  leaves  makes  an  excellent  enema.  Senna 
enters  into  many  of  our  compounds ;  as,  the  senna  electuary. 

88.  Lupinus  perennis.     Common  lupine.     The  seeds  are  bitter 
and  tonic. 

89.  Trifolium.     Eighty-five  species;  IT,  10,  L. 

Trifolium  arvense.  Clover;  field  clover.  The  flower  contains  a 
good  deal  of  honey.  The  blossoms  of 

90.  Trifolium  repens,  white  clover,    were   once    used   in  gout. 
They  are  moderately  astringent.    The  steamers  make  a  salve  of  the 
heads  of  red  clover,  which  they  use  in  the  cure  of  cancer. 

91.  Melilotus.     Two  species;  17,  10,  L. 

Melilotus  officinalis.  Melilot;  melilot  clover.  Sec.  This  plant 
has  a  peculiar  flavour  resembling  that  of  the  Tonquin  bean,  and  it 
has  been  used  for  the  same  purpose  to  scent  snuff.  It  is  pectoral 
and  demulcent,  and  is  employed  for  dysuria,  coughs,  and  leucor- 
rhoea.  It  is  also  used  in  emollient  poultices.  The  melilot  is  a  prin- 
cipal ingredient  in  Kitteridge's  celebrated  bone  ointment. 

ORDER  78. — URTICACE^. 

92.  Urtica  dioica.    Stinging  nettle ;  20,  4,  L.    This  plant  is  anti- 
scorbutic, diuretic,  and  astringent.     It  has  been  supposed  to  have 
some  efficacy  in  consumptive  complaints;  but  its  power  must  be 
feeble  in  this  respect.     A  writer  in  the  Boston  Mercantile  Journal 
values  it  highly  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  styptics  known.    It  is  a 
healthy  pot  herb.     Its  sting  is  one  of  the  most  irritating  known. 
The  following  lines  are  not  inapplicable  to  it. 


88T 

"  Tender  handed,  touch  the  nettle, 

And  it  stings  you  for  your  pains  j  ,  , 

Grasp  it  like  a  man  of  mettle, 
And  it  soft  as  silk  remains. 
Thus  it  is  with  common  natures : 
Treat  them  kindly,  they  rebel  ; 
But  be  rough  as  nutmeg  graters, 
And  the  rogues  obey  you  well." 

93.  Urtica  pumila,  vel  adesia.  Water  nettle ;  stingless  nettle.  The 
footstalks  of  the  leaves  and  of  the  stem  of  the  plant  are  filled  with 
water  so  as  to  make  them  transparent.     Bind  the  leaves  upon  scro- 
fulous sores,  and  they  allay  the  irritation.     They  are  said  to  be  ex- 
cellent for  wounds,  and  also  for  eruptions. 

94.  Humulus.     Six  species;  21,  5,  L. 

Humulus  lupulus.  Hop.  Off.  The  properties  of  this  well- 
known  narcotic  and  sedative  are  now  as  well  known  as  opium  or 
cicuta.  My  late  friend,  Dr.  A.  W.  Ives,  of  New  York,  first  directed 
the  attention  of  the  faculty  to  the  farina  of  the  plant,  which  he 
named  lupuline. 

ORDER  88. — EUPHORBIACE^. 

95.  Euphorbia.     One-hundred  and  fifty-five  species ;  19,  3,  L. 
Euphorbia  maculata.     Spotted  spurge;  Bowman's  root;  emetic 

weed.  The  properties  of  the  Euphorbias  are  generally  diaphoretic, 
astringent,  emetic,  cathartic,  rubefacient,  blistering,  and  stimulant, 
according  to  the  different  species.  By  many,  some  of  the  species 
are  considered  equivalent  to  ipecacuanha.  For  cathartic  operation 
they  are  considered  equal  to  jalap  or  scammony,  and  it  requires  but 
half  the  quantity  to  purge  that  these  famous  medicines  do.  They 
deserve  the  further  consideration  of  physicians. 

96.  Acalypha.     Thirty-nine  species;  two  in  the  United  States; 
20,  16,  L. 

Acalypha  Virginiea.  Three-seeded  mercury;  mercury  weed.  This 
species  is  found  in  all  the  States  in  the  Union.  It  has  been  found 
by  Dr.  Atkins  to  possess  diuretic  and  expectorant  properties,  and  it 
has  been  used  in  various  species  of  dropsy,  and  in  asthma.  The 
quacks  at  the  South  use  it  extensively  for  various  purposes,  according 
to  Elliott,  the  southern  botanist. 


888 

ORDER  122. — GERANIACE^E. 

97.  Geranium*     Forty-two  species  ;  16,  10,  L. 

Greranium  maculatum.  Crows-bill,  sometimes,  though  improperly 
called  crow-foot.  Off.  This  is  one  of  our  purest  astringents,  accu- 
rately and  beautifully  drawn  and  described  by  Bigelow  and  others, 
to  whom  I  refer  the  reader. 

98.  G-eranium   Robertianum.     Herb   Robert.     This   plant   has 
much  reputation  with  many  people  for  the  cure  of  bloody  water  in 
cattle  and  horses,  and  also  for  the  cure  of  bloody  flux  in  them,  and 
it  is  thought  by  some  more  efficacious  in  these  complaints  than  most 
of  the  common  medicines  in  use.     It  is  employed  in  tanning  in  Ger- 
many, like  the  other  species  of  geranium.     It  is  diuretic,  and  less 
astringent  than  the  G.  maculatum,  and,  therefore,  more  proper  in 
nephritis,  and  diseases  of  the  bladder.     It  has  been  used  in  fever 
and  ague,  and  as  a  gargle  for  sore  mouths  and  throats. 

99.  Oxalis  acetosclla*     "Wood  sorrel ;  10,  5,  L.    Off.     From  this 
plant  the  oxalic  acid  is  prepared,  which  is  so  extensively  employed 
in  medicine.    This  plant  is  a  good  diuretic.    Boiled  in  milk,  it  yields 
an  acid  whey.     It  is  useful  in  affections  of  the  kidneys.     The  oxalic 
acid,  taken  to  a  considerable  extent,  is  poisonous.    The  leaves  should, 
therefore,  be  used  with  moderation.     One  hundred  pounds  of  the 
leaves  give  thirty  pounds  of  juice,  which  yield  ten  ounces  of  super- 
oxalate  of  potash.    This  is  sometimes  used  under  the  name  of  salts  of 
lemon.     A  conserve  and  syrup  are  made  of  the  leaves,  which  are 
pleasant  medicinal  preparations,  but  perhaps   inferior   to  currant 
jelly,  and  other  acid  fruits.     Raf. 

100.  Oxalis  stricta.     Possesses  similar  properties. 

ORDER  126. — BALSAMIC. 

101.  Impatiens.     Thirteen  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Impatiens  noli  me  tangere,  vel  pallida.  Touch-me-not ;  jewel  weed. 
Sec.  The  whole  plant  is  acrid.  When  taken  internally,  it  operates 
as  an  emetic,  cathartic,  and  diuretic.  Dr.  Euan,  of  Philadelphia, 
employed  it  successfully  in  piles,  by  boiling  the  plant  in  a  recent 
state  in  lard.  The  impatiens  balsamine  of  the  gardens  possesses  the 
same  properties  as  the  noli  me  tangere.  W.  and  B. 


889 

ORDER  129. — POLYGALACE.E. 

102.  Poly  gala.     Ninety-four  species;  17,  3,  L. 

Polygala  sanguinea,  vel  P.  paucifolia.  Flowering  winter-green. 
The  properties  of  this  plant  are  similar  to  Polygala  senega.  The 
taste  and  smell  are  similar  to  Gaultheria  procumbens.  It  is  stimu- 
lant and  sudorific.  It  is  milder  than  seneka,  and  may  be  useful  in 
rheumatism,  dropsy,  and  asthma.  It  may  be  used  in  decoction. 

ORDER  130. — VIOLACE^B. 

103.  Viola.     Fifty-seven  species ;  5,  1,  L. 
Viola  pedata.     Bird-foot  violet.     Off. 

104.  Viola  cucullata.     Common  field  violet. 

105.  Viola  palmata.     Hand  violet. 

106.  Viola  ovata.     Rattlesnake  violet. 

107.  Viola  Oanadensis.     Canada  violet. 

108.  Viola  pubescens.    Yellow  wood  violet. 

All  the  violets  are  most  excellent  demulcents,  and  are  very  im- 
portant in  a  medicinal  point  of  view.  The  V.  pedata  and  V.  ovata 
are  the  most  useful.  I  have  published  a  long  account  of  them,  and 
of  the  efficacy  of  the  latter  in  the  bites  of  venomous  reptiles,  and 
in  ophthalmias,  strangury,  &c.,  in  the  American  Journal  of  the 
Medical  Sciences,  which  has  been  transferred  to  the  American 
Journal  of  Pharmacy.  The  paper  has  also  been  published  in  the 
New  York  Journal  of  Medicine.  To  these  works  I  refer  the 
reader.  I  have  correct  paintings  of  the  above  species  of  violets. 

ORDER  137. — DROSERACE.E. 

109.  Drosera  rotundifolia.     Sun  dew.     Numerous  species.     The 
juice  of  this  plant  is  said  to  destroy  warts,  corns,  &c. ;  and  infused 
in  milk  it  has  been  used  for  freckles  and  sun  burns.     It  is  supposed 
to  be  pectoral,  and,  in  the  form  of  syrup,  is  used  in  asthma.     Raf. 

ORDER  140. — CARYOPHYLLACE^I. 

110.  Saponaria.     Nine  species  ;  10,  2,  L. 

Saponaria  officinalis.    Soapwort ;  bouncing  Bet.    Sec.    The  soap- 
worts  are  diaphoretic,  tonic,  and  hepatic.     They  are  useful  in  rheu- 
VOL.  n. — 57 


890 

matism,  gout,  jaundice,  and  hepatic  eruptions.  They  have  been 
considered  vermifuge  and  diuretic.  Used  in  scrofulous  and  vene- 
real ulcers.  On  account  of  its  frothing,  it  is  called  soapwort.  Raf . 

111.  Agrostemma  githago.    Cockle.     This  is  a  poisonous  plant  in 
wheat  fields,  imparting  a  strong  and  bitter  taste  to  bread.    The  grain 
•which  contains  much  of  it  should,  therefore,  be  used  only  for  the 
manufacture  of  starch. 

112.  Spergula.     Ten  species ;  10,  5. 

Spergula  arvensis.  Spurry.  The  inhabitants  of  Norway  and  Fin- 
land use  the  seeds  of  this  plant  for  bread,  when  their  corn  fails. 
Poultry  are  fond  of  them.  It  is  nutritious  to  cattle,  but  not  to  horses, 
sheep,  and  goats. 

ORDER  147. — CRASSULACE.E. 

113.  Sempervivum.     Fourteen  species;  11,  13.     This   plant  is 
cultivated  as  an  ornament  to  our  houses,  hence  it  is  called  house- 
leek.     The  leaves   are   thick   and  succulent.     They  are   slightly 
astringent  and  sourish  to  the  taste.     They  are  externally  applied  as 
a  cooling  application  in  the  recent  state,  bruised,  to  burns,  stings  of 
bees,  &c.,  and  to  other  affections  of  the  skin,  ulcers,  inflammation, 
&c.     An  ointment  made  by  boiling  them  in  lard,  is  excellent  in  piles, 
chilblains,  &c. 

ORDER  153. — CHENOPODIACE.E. 

114.  Ohenopodium.     Thirty-eight  species  ;  5,  2,  L. 

Ohenopodium  botrys.  Jerusalem  oak.  Off.  This  is  not  the  genu- 
ine worm-seed,  though  it  possesses  anthelmintic  properties,  like  the 
rest  of  the  genus.  The  whole  of  this  plant  possesses  excellent  pec- 
toral properties.  A  valuable  syrup  is  prepared  from  it  for  recent 
coughs.  Emmenagogue,  resolvent,  and  carminative. 

115.  Ohenopodium  hylridum.     Aris,  a  species  of  hogweed.    This 
plant  is  in  great  use  in  domestic  practice  as  an  emmenagogue.     A 
tea  of  it  is  made  with  pennyroyal,  and  the  patient  is  to  drink  of  it 
ad  libitum,  and  to  soak  the  feet  in  warm  water.     I  have  seen  most 
wonderful  effects  from  the  use  of  this  tea ;  but,  perhaps,  it  may  be 
imputed  in  part  to  the  pennyroyal  which  is  used  with  it,  which  is  a 
very  popular  emmenagogue  of  itself. 


891 

ORDER  154. — PHYTOLACCACE^S. 

116.  Phytolacca.     Six  species;  11,  10,  L. 

Phytolacca  decandra.  Poke,  garget,  crowberry,  &c.  Off.  This 
valuable  plant  possesses  emetic,  cathartic,  and  narcotic  properties. 
It  is  in  great  repute  for  the  cure  of  rheumatism,  the  piles,  cancer, 
and  a  great  variety  of  complaints.  Farmers  make  much  use  of  the 
roots  for  rowels  or  setons,  for  their  cattle  and  horses.  The  berries 
are  employed  in  tincture.  For  a  more  particular  account,  see  dis- 
pensatories, &c. 

ORDER  157. — POLYGONACEJS. 

117.  Polygonum  hydropiper,  oYpunctatum.  Water  pepper,  smart- 
weed,  &c.;  9,  3,  L.    Fifty-three  species  of  the  genus.    Off.     This  is 
a  biting,  pungent  diuretic,  inflaming  the  tongue  and  skin,  when  ap- 
plied to  them.     It  is  vermifuge,  and  highly  stimulant.     Infused  in 
wine,  it  is  much  used  in  gravel.    It  is  said  to  cure  ulcers  in  the  mouth, 
toothache,  &c.     The  ashes  make  a  soap,  which  Cutler  says  has  been 
a  specific  for  the  cure  of  stone  in  the  bladder.    A  tea  of  the  plant  is 
good  in  coughs  and  colds.     Cattle  will  not  touch  the  plant.     Snakes 
avoid  it,  and  it  kills  fish.     An  infusion  of  it  is  a  powerful  promoter 
of  urine.    Raf.     It  is  singular  that,  wherever  geese  are  kept,  this 
plant  abounds.    Formerly  they  roamed  in  Deerfield  Street,  and  the 
plant  covered  the  whole  street.     But,  since  they  are  not  suffered  to 
run  at  large,  the  plant  is  not  found  here. 

118.  Polygonum  fag  opy  rum.     Buckwheat.     An  infusion  of  this 
plant  is  useful  in  erysipelas,  used  externally  and  internally. 

119.  Rumex.     6,  3,  L. 

Rumex  acetosella.  Sorrel ;  sorrel  dock.  The  leaves  have  an 
agreeable  acid  taste,  and  are  refrigerant,  antiscorbutic,  and  diuretic. 

120.  Rumex  crispus.  Curled  dock.  Off.  The  medical  properties  of 
the  various  species  of  dock  are  mildly  astringent,  bitter,  and  tonic, 
and  also  laxative.    They  are  valuable  in  scorbutic  and  other  eruptions. 
At  one  time,  they  were  thought  to  be  a  specific  in  the  cure  of  the 
itch,  and  cancers.     According  to  Rafinesque,  the  roots  contain  sul- 
phur, starch,  oxalate  of  lime,  &c. 


ORDER  173.— PYROLACE^I. 


ORDER  173.— PYROLACEJB. 
121.     Pyrola.   Altered  to  Chimaphila.    Seven  species  ;  10, 1,  L. 


892 

Chimapliila  maculata.  Prince's  pine ;  pipsissewa ;  spotted  win- 
ter-green. Off.  This  is  a  most  powerful  diuretic,  and  has  been  ex- 
tensively used  in  dropsy.  It  is  also  tonic,  astringent,  and  depurative. 
It  is  much  used  in  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  particularly  in  can- 
cerous affections,  over  which  it  has  a  feeble,  if  any,  action.  See 
Materia  Medica. 

122.  ChimapJiila  rotundifolia.    Round-leaved  winter-green  ;  shin- 
leaf.    The  leaf,  bound  on  old  ulcers  of  the  skin  and  leg,  have  proved 
successful  in  their  cure. 

123.  Monotropa.     Four  species ;  10,  1,  L. 

Monotropa  uniflora.  Pipe  plant;  beech  drops,  &c.  It  is  ophthal- 
mic and  nervine.  The  juice  mixed  in  water,  according  to  Rafinesque, 
is  deemed  by  the  Indians  specific  in  sore  eyes.  The  dried  root  is 
employed  in  epilepsy,  and  in  the  diseases  of  children,  in  doses  of  a 
teaspoonful,  united  with  valerian.  That  notorious  empiric,  Steward, 
says  it  is  a  substitute  for  opium.  According  to  him,  it  eases  pain, 
comforts  the  stomach,  and  causes  sleep  and  rest. 

ORDER  175. — LOBELIACB^I. 

124.  Lobelia.     Ninety-five,  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Lobelia  inflata.  Indian  tobacco;  devil's  pepper,  &c.  Off.  So 
much  has  been  said  and  sung  about  this  "  divine  remedy"  of  the 
steamers,  that  it  is  needless  to  recapitulate  it  here.  The  manner  in 
which  it  received  its  appropriate  English  name  may  be  found  in  my 
paper  upon  this  plant,  published  in  the  New  York  Journal  of  Medi- 
cine and  Surgery  for  the  year  1846. 

125.  Lobelia  cardinalis.     Cardinal  lobelia.     This  seems  to  pos- 
sess many  of  the  same  properties  with  the  above,  but  in  less  degree. 

ORDER  182. — PLANTAGENE^:.  , 

126.  Plantago.     Seventy  species;  4,  1,  L. 

Plantago  major.  Great  plantain.  The  leaves  of  this  plant  are 
used  as  a  cooling  vulnerary.  The  root  is  febrifuge  and  astringent, 
and  used  for  diarrhoea,  sore  eyes,  and  bloody  fluxes.  The  leaves  are 
good  for  ulcers,  the  bites  of  venomous  insects,  and  tumours.  The 
seeds  are  vermifuge.  The  properties  of 

127.  Plantago  lanceolata,  ribwort,  are  somewhat  similar. 


893 

ORDER  186. — COMPOSITE. 

128.  Arctium.     Two  species;  6,  1,  L. 

Arctium  lappa.  Burdock.  Off.  The  root  has  been  considered 
tonic,  aperient,  sudorific,  and  diuretic.  It  has  been  used  in  the  form 
of  decoction  in  rheumatism,  and  diseases  of  the  skin.  Sir  Robert 
Walpole  praised  it  as  a  gout  medicine,  and  others  have  considered  it 
an  excellent  substitute  for  sarsaparilla.  The  fruit,  which  is  bitter, 
and  slightly  acid,  has  been  used  as  a  diuretic.  (Lindley.)  The  wilt- 
ed leaves,  applied  to  bruises  and  local  pains,  are  excellent  discutients 
and  anodynes.  It  was  once  thought  to  be  a  certain  cure  for  cancer. 

129.  Leontodon.     Six  species  ;  18,  1,  L. 

Leontodon  taraxicum.  Dandelion.  Off.  This  beautiful  plant  has 
come  into  much  vogue  in  medicine,  within  a  few  years,  for  the  cure  of 
hepatic  affections  and  dyspepsia.  It  is  diuretic,  and  slightly  tonic 
and  aperient.  It  is  thought  to  excite  the  languid  action  of  the  liver, 
and  to  discuss  chronic  enlargements  of  it.  It  is  particularly  adapt- 
ed to  all  the  diseases  produced  by  the  derangement  of  the  biliary 
secretions.  An  infusion  or  decoction  of  the  root,  or  the  extract, 
removes  obstructions  of  the  bowels,  and  promotes  the  flow  of  urine. 
It  is  also  useful  in  diseases  of  the  skin,  in  dropsy,  consumption,  and 
scirrhosities  of  the  stomach.  An  irritable  state  of  the  stomach  for- 
bids the  use  of  it,  or  much  inflammation  of  that  organ,  otherwise  it 
may  be  taken  freely.  It  is  used  in  extract  or  decoction. 

130.  Lactuca.     Twenty-three  species ;  18,  1,  L. 

Lactuca  elongata.  Wild  lettuce.  Anodyne,  laxative,  diaphoretic, 
and  diuretic. 

131.  Prenanthes.     Thirty-five  species;  18,  1,  L. 
Prenanthes  alba.     Gall  of  the  earth.     This  is  the  famous  Indian 

cure  for  the  bite  of  venomous  serpents.  '  It  grows  to  a  great  height. 
The  leaves  are  lactescent,  and  every  part  of  the  plant  is  intensely 
bitter. 

132.  Hieracium.     Eighty  species;  18,  1,  L. 

Hieracium  venosum.  Veiny-leaved  hawk-weed.  The  whole  plant 
is  active  and  bitter  to  the  taste.  It  is  also  vulnerary  and  astringent, 
sudorific,  antiseptic,  and  pectoral.  Schoepf  and  Harlan  have  both 
used  the  bruised  leaves  with  success  for  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake. 
By  some,  it  has  been  called  rattlesnake  plantain,  but  erroneously. 


894 

It  has  also  been  empirically  used  for  the  cure  of  hemoptysis, 
scrofula,  amenorrhoea,  and  hemorrhages.  It  is  sometimes  united 
with  bloodroot  in  powder  for  the  cure  of  polypus  in  the  nose. 

133.  Liatris.     Eight  species;  18,  1,  L. 

Liatris  scariosa.  Gay  feather.  Sec.  The  root  has  the  smell  of 
turpentine,  and  a  bitter  terebinthinate  taste.  It  is  diuretic  in  its 
properties.  In  decoction,  it  is  employed  in  gonorrhoea  and  in  sore 
throat.  Also  in  dropsy,  angina,  croup,  pain  in  the  breast,  gravel,  &c. 

134.  Vernonia  prealta ;  18, 1,  L.    Devil's  bit;  iron-weed.    From 
the  roots,  a  spirituous  bitter  is  made,  which  is  used  in  fevers  in  Ken- 
tucky.    Good  against  poisons.     The  leaves,  which  are  astringent, 
are  used  in  sore  throats. 

135.  Carduus  altissimus.     Thistle;  18,  1,  L.      An  infusion  of 
the  roots  is  good  in  cases  of  salt-rheum. 

136.  JEupatorium.     Seventy-five  species;  18,  1,  L. 
Eupatorium  perfoliatum.    Thoroughwort ;  boneset,  &c.  Off.    This 

well-known  plant  is  most  beautifully  figured  by  Bigelow  and  others, 
to  whom  I  refer  the  reader.  More  virtues  are  ascribed  to  it,  as  a 
cathartic,  emetic,  diuretic,  tonic,  &c.,  than  to  almost  any  other  plant 
in  use. 

137.  Eupatorium  purpureum.     Jopi  root ;  purple  boneset.  Off. 
Elegantly  painted  by  Barton  in  his  Flora.     It  derived  its  name  of 
Jopi  root  from  an  Indian  in  New  England  of  that  name,  who  cured 
typhus  with  it  by  powerful  sweating.     Eberle  asserts  that  catarrhal 
fevers  are  cured  by  it  by  drinking  a  weak  infusion  of  it  on  going  to 
bed.     In  the  dyspepsia  of  the  aged,  it  is  valuable.     It  is  useful  as 
an  auxiliary  to  other  tonics  and  emetics.     But  the  principal  use  to 
which  it  is  applied  is  as  a  diuretic,  and  it  is,  on  this  account,  called 
gravel  root ;  and  we  have  few  plants  that  are  more  efficacious  in  this 
respect.     It  is  the  queen  of  the  meadows  of  the  steamers. 

138.  GrnaphaUum.     One  hundred  and  sixty  species;  18,  2,  L. 
G-naphalium  margaritaceum.  Life-everlasting.  Sec.    This  and  the 

G.  polycephalum,  silver-leaved  gnaphalium,  are  used  in  infusion  in 
affections  of  the  breast  and  bowels,  and  in  hemorrhages.  Externally, 
they  are  used  in  fomentations;  and  in  wounds,  bruises,  and  internal 


895 

pains.  They  are  mildly  astringent  and  vermifuge;  and  are  good  in 
dysentery.  The  gnaphaliums  have  different  names,  such  as  white 
plantain,  poor  robin,  rattlesnake  plantain,  squirrel  ear,  &c.  They 
are  used  in  cases  of  poisoning,  and  of  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake. 
Rafinesque  says  the  Indians  will,  for  a  trifle,  allow  themselves  to  be 
bitten,  and  cure  themselves  at  once  with  this  plant. 

139.  Artemisia.     Seventy-two  species;  18,  2,  L. 

Artemisia  absinthium.  Wormwood.  Off.  Much  has  been  said 
in  the  medical  journals  in  favour  of  wormwood  in  cases  of  epilepsy. 
It  does  not,  however,  answer  the  high  encomiums  bestowed  upon  it. 
It  is  considered  to  be  antiseptic,  stomachic,  detergent,  vermifuge, 
and  emmenagogue.  Given  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  powder,  it  has 
been  used  in  all  these  affections.  The  leaves,  bruised  and  steeped 
in  spirit  and  vinegar,  are  valuable  discutients ;  and  I  know  of  no 
more  soothing  application  in  bruises  and  wounds. 

140.  Artemisia  Canadensis.     Southern  wood.     This  is  also  use- 
ful in  the  same  cases.     It  is  called  mugwort. 

141.  Anthemis.     Forty-two  species ;  18,  3,  L. 

Anthemis  cotula,  synonym  Maruta  cotula.  May- weed ;  wild  cha- 
momile.  Sec.  It  is  a  mild  tonic,  possessing,  in  some  degree,  the 
properties  of  the  genuine  chamomile.  According  to  Dr.  Ashley, 
in  the  Philadelphia  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  it  is  a  powerful  vesicant. 

142.  Chrysanthemum.     Thirty-five  species ;  18,  2,  L. 
Chrysanthemum  leucanthemum.     Ox-eyed  daisy;  white-weed. 
This  is  a  pestilent  weed  in  grass  fields.     The  young  leaves  may 

be  eaten  in  salads.  When  bruised,  they  afford  a  good  application 
to  scirrhous  tumours.  It  is  said  that  if  a  decoction  of  them  be 
taken  by  a  person  subject  to  the  jaundice,  immediately  after  coming 
from  the  tepid  bath,  it  will  tend  to  restore  his  natural  colour.  A 
decoction  increases  the  urinary  discharge.  It  is  of  service  in  de- 
bility attended  with  sweating,  if  drank  freely,  and  the  patient  is 
kept  cool.  It  is  used  for  wounds,  asthma,  consumptions,  and  tinea. 
It  is  a  principal  ingredient,  under  the  name  of  Pissabed,  in  Stewart's 
vegetable  ointment,  for  the  cure  of  salt  rheum,  and  other  cutaneous 
eruptions. 

143.  Achillea.    Forty-eight  species.    Syng.  Superf.,  L. 


896 

Acliillea  millefolium.  Yarrow.  It  is  similar  in  its  properties  to 
chamomile ;  stimulating,  slightly  astringent,  and  tonic. 

144.  Tanacetum.     Eighteen  species  ;  18,  2,  L. 

Tanacetum  vulgare.  Tansy.  Off.  Vermifuge,  tonic,  and  stimu- 
lant. 

145.  Inula.     Forty-three  species  ;  18,  2,  L. 

Inula  helenium.  Elecampane.  Sec.  Stimulant,  slightly  tonic, 
and  pectoral.  In  great  use  in  diseases  of  the  breast  and  lungs. 

146.  Tussilago.     Twenty-one  species;  18,  2,  L. 

Tussilago  farfara.  Colt's-foot.  Off.  Demulcent  and  expecto- 
rant. More  extensively  used  by  the  people  at  large  in  the  form  of 
syrup,  in  coughs,  than  almost  any  vegetable  known. 

14T.  Erigeron.     Forty-three  species ;  18,  2,  L. 
Erigeron  Canadense.     Canada  fleabane.    Sec. 

148.  Erigeron    PMladelpTiicum.     Philadelphia    fleabane.     Sec. 
These  plants  are  some  of  our  most  powerful  astringents.     For  an 
extensive  account  of  their  medicinal  properties,  see  a  paper  pub- 
lished by  me  on  the  subject  in  the  New  York  Journal  of  Medicine 
and  Surgery  for  1846. 

149.  Senecio  Meracifolium.  Fire-weed ;  groundsel.     An  ointment 
made  from  this  weed  is  most  efficacious  in  the  piles.     It  is  also  use- 
ful in  diseases  of  the  skin,  wounds,   &c.,  in  hemorrhages,  and   in 
wounds.     It  is  emetic  in  large  doses. 

150.  Aster.     One  hundred  and  twenty  species;  18,  2,  L. 
Aster  Nova  Anglise.    New  England  aster.     Our  beautiful  asters 

do  not  blossom  here  till  late  in  the  summer,  or  early  in  the  fall. 
Their  medical  properties  have  not  been  sufficiently  investigated. 
According  to  Dr.  Lawrence,  of  Lebanon,  N.  Y.,  a  Shaker,  this  spe- 
cies is  employed  in  decoction  externally  in  eruptions  of  the  skin, 
and  it  is  also  very  valuable  against  the  virulence  of  the  poison 
sumach. 

151.  Aster  cordifolius  is  useful  as  a  nervine,  and  is  preferable,  in 
many  instances,  to  valerian.     It  has  been  used  in  decoction  and  in- 


89T 

fusion  in  spirit  for  rheumatism.  A  species  called  squawroot  has 
been  used  by  old  women  as  a  partus  accelerandum.  The  asters 
may  be  profitably  employed  as  equivalents  to  valerian  in  nervous 
affections,  in  epilepsy,  spasms,  hysteria,  &c.  Raf. 

152.  Solidago.     Forty-eight  species;  18,  2,  L. 

Solidago  odora.  Sweet-scented  golden-rod.  Off.  The  golden-rods 
are  very  abundant  here,  blossoming  late  in  the  fall;  but  this  species 
is  scarce.  This  is  aromatic,  stimulant,  carminative,  and  diuretic, 
when  given  in  warm  infusion.  An  oil  is  obtained  from  it  which  is 
very  pleasant,  and  much  resembles  the  oil  of  anise.  It  is  proper  in 
all  those  cases  where  the  latter  is  used.  The  flowers  make  an 
agreeable  tea. 

153.  Bidens.    Twenty-one  species ;  18,  2,  L. 

Bidens  aroma.  Water-beggar-tick.  This  is  a  troublesome  weed 
in  our  gardens  and  fields.  The  ticks,  or  beggar-lice,  as  they  are 
sometimes  called,  boiled  in  water  and  strained,  mixed  with  syrup  of 
sugar  or  honey,  form  a  most  excellent  expectorant  for  hooping 
cough,  other  kinds  of  coughs,  and  catarrhal  affections. 

154.  Ambrosia.     Nine  species  ;  25,  5,  L. 

Ambrosia  elatior.  Rag-weed ;  hog-weed ;  wild  wormwood.  This 
plant  is  considered  to  be  emollient  and  antiseptic  when  used  in 
fomentations.  It  is  a  troublesome  weed  in  gardens  and  fields. 
Most  animals,  except  the  hog,  refuse  it ;  and,  if  cows  eat  it,  it  makes 
their  milk  bitter.  It  is  said  to  give  a  bitter  taste  to  bread  when 
mixed  with  the  wheat. 

155.  Ambrosia  trifida.    Called  horse-weed.     According  to  Rafi- 
nesque,  it  is  used  by  the  Indians  to  make  a  kind  of  hemp  and  ropes. 
Used  in  after-pains,  and  nervous  and  hysterical  affections. 

156.  Xanthium    strumarium.     Sea-burdock ;     clot-burr.      The 
leaves  are  bitter  and  astringent,  and  are  useful  in  scrofula,  herpes, 
and  erysipelas.     They  dye  a  yellow  colour. 

ORDER  180.— STELLATE. 

157.  G-alium.    Seventy-seven  species ;  4,  1,  L. 

G-alium  asprillum.  Rough  bedstraw.  This  has  been  extensively 
used  as  a  diuretic,  and  has  been  employed  most  successfully  in  all 


898 

suppressions  of  urine,  strangury,  gravel,  &c.  It  has  also  proved 
beneficial  in  scurvy,  bleeding  at  the  nose,  hemoptysis,  &c.  An  in- 
fusion of  it  has  been  said  to  have  cured  the  epilepsy  and  the  gout. 
A  poultice  of  it,  also,  has  been  used  for  tumours  of  the  breast. 

158.  Gralium  aparine.    Cleavers  ;  goose  grass.    Sec.     This  plant 
has  a  bitter,  herbaceous,  and  acrid  taste.     The  juice  is  diuretic, 
aperient,  and  antiscorbutic.     It  is  useful  in  the  various  species  of 
dropsy,  scrofula,  and  scurvy.     The  fresh  plant,  prepared  into  an 
ointment,  or  decoction,  has  been  used  externally  to  scrofulous  swell- 
ings with  success. 

159.  Asclepias.    Fifty  species  ;  5,  2,  L. 

Asclepias  Syriaca.  Silkweed ;  milkweed.  Sec.  This  plant  is 
anodyne,  expectorant,  &c.  The  young  shoots  are  edible,  like 
asparagus. 

160.  Asclepias  incarnata.    Flesh-coloured  asclepias.    Sec.     The 
western  Indians  use  the  roots  in  dropsy,  asthma,  dysentery,  and  as 
emetics.     Some  physicians  consider  the  plant  emetic  and  cathartic. 

161.  Aselepias  tuberosa.    Pleurisy  root ;  butterfly-weed,  &c.    Off. 
This  is  considered  one  of  our  most  valuable  expectorants,  the  pro- 
perties of  which  are  described  in  our  Dispensatories  and  Materia 
Medicas. 

ORDER  196. — APOCYNE^E. 

162.  Apocynum.    Eighteen  species  ;  5,  2,  L. 

Apocynum  androscemifolium.  Common  dog's-bane;  bitter  root; 
honey-bloom,  &c.  Sec.  This  plant  is  emetic,  tonic,  syphilitic,  al- 
terative, and  diaphoretic.  It  is  most  beautifully  coloured,  and 
described  by  Bigelow,  to  whom,  and  to  the  Dispensatories,  I  refer 
for  further  information  concerning  it. 

163.  Apocynum  canndbinum.    Indian  hemp.    Sec.     It  is  similar 
in  its  properties  to  the  above.     Both  these  plants,  instead  of  being 
on  the  secondary  list  in  our  Pharmacopoeias,  should  be  officinal. 

ORDER  197. — GENTIANACE.E. 

164.  0-entiana.    Sixty-one  species ;  16,  10,  L. 
Grentiana  saponaria.     Soapwort  gentian ;  blue  bells. 


899 

165.  G-entiana  saponaria.   Fringed  gentian.  All  the  gentians  are 
beautiful  plants,  and  they  are  all  tonic,  bitter,  corroborant,  cathar- 
tic, and  are  excellent  substitutes  for  foreign  gentian.   They  invigorate 
the  stomach,  and  are  useful  in  dyspepsia,  and  in  debility  of  that 
organ.     They  are  extensively  employed  in  the  Southern  States  in 
various  kinds  of  fevers,  pneumonias,  &c.,  as  tonics.     In  large  doses, 
they  are  purgative. 

166.  Menyanthes.     Six  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Menyanthes  trifolia.  Buck  bean;  water  shamrock.  In  large 
doses,  this  plant  has  a  bitter,  tonic,  and  cathartic  property.  It  is 
also  stomachic  and  febrifuge,  anthelmintic  and  diuretic.  In  decoc- 
tion, it  is  used  in  dropsy,  rheumatism,  worms,  &c.  It  was  formerly 
a  good  deal  used,  then  neglected,  but  now  coming  into  vogue  again. 

ORDER  199. — CONVOLVULACB^I. 

167.  Convolvulus.     One  hundred  and  fifty  species ;  5,  1,  L. 
Convolvulus  arvensis.    Field  bind- weed ;  wild  potato.     This  has 

sometimes  been  used  as  a  substitute  for  jalap,  but  it  is  a  very  feeble 
one.  It  is  supposed  to  be  somewhat  diuretic,  and  it  has  been  used 
in  cutaneous  complaints.  Forty  grains  of  the  powder  purge  gently. 

168.  Cuscuta.    Eleven  species ;  5,  2,  L. 

Cuscuta  Americana.  Dodder.  This  plant  is  bitter  and  sub- 
astringent.  It  dyes  red.  It  is  also  stomachic,  febrifuge,  and  anti- 
scrofulous.  It  is  used  in  decoction  for  agues. 

ORDER  110. — OROBANCHE^I. 

169.  OrolancJie.    Twenty-four  species;  14,  2,  L. 

Orobanche  Virginiana.  Beech  drops ;  cancer  root.  Sec.  This 
plant  is  bitter,  nauseous,  and  astringent.  It  loses,  in  some  measure, 
these  powers  by  drying.  It  has  been  employed  in  bowel  affections ; 
but  its  virtues  mainly  depend  upon  its  supposed  efficacy  in  curing 
cancerous  ulcerations ;  and  it  was  for  a  long  time  supposed  to  be  a 
principal  ingredient  in  the  secret  remedy  of  Dr.  Martin,  for  the  cure 
of  cancer.  But  Dr.  Rush  proved  the  powder  of  Dr.  Martin  princi- 
pally to  consist  of  arsenic.  This  plant  is  also  powerfully  astringent, 
and  has  been  used  for  erysipelas,  and  canker  in  the  throat.  It  is 
used  at  the  West  as  a  specific  in  syphilis  and  gonorrhoea.  It  is 
also  employed  for  hepatic  affections,  diarrhoea,  and  dysentery. 
(Synonym,  Epiphegus  Americana.) 


900 

170.  Orobanche  uniflora.     Small  cancer  roots.     The  properties 
of  this  are  similar  to  the  above. 

171.  Scrophularia.     Twenty-eight  species  ;  14,  2,  L. 
Scrophularia  Marylandica.     Figwort.     This  plant   has  a  rank 

smell  and  bitter  taste,  which  seem  to  indicate  that  it  possesses  some 
active  medicinal  properties.  It  is  vulnerary  and  resolvent,  and  is 
much  used  in  the  Northern  and  Middle  States.  It  is  good  in  ulcer- 
ation  in  the  form  of  poultices.  By  washing  with  a  decoction  of  it, 
swine  infected  with  the  scab,  are  cured,  and  also  dogs. 

172.  CJielone.     Four  species;  14,  2,  L. 

Chelone  glabra.  Snake  head.  The  valmony,  I  believe,  of  the 
Thompsonians.  This  plant  is  a  good  corroborant,  and  should  be 
classed  with  our  tonics.  It  is  most  intensely  bitter  to  the  taste.  It 
may  be  used  in  strong  infusion ;  useful  in  dyspepsia,  loss  of  appetite, 
and  general  debility.  See  an  interesting  article  on  this  plant  by 
Dr.  J.  A.  Allen,  of  Middlebury,  Vermont,  in  the  Boston  Medical 
and  Surgical  Journal ;  see  also  Rafinesque,  who  gives  a  long  account 
of  it  from  Dr.  Lawrence,  of  New  Lebanon,  Mass. 

173.  Leptandra  Virginica.     Bowman's  root ;  physic  root ;  Cul- 
ver's  physic.     The   plate   of  this  plant,  as  given  by  Rafinesque, 
exactly  resembles  the  spiraea  tomentosa,  though  the  properties  are 
opposite.     The  former  (leptandra)  is  powerfully  cathartic,  and  the 
spiraea  is  powerfully  astringent.     The  root  is  the  part  employed. 
The  roots,  according  to  Rafinesque,  lose  much  of  their  virulence  by 
drying,  and  a  drachm  of  the  powder  becomes  an  uncertain  purga- 
tive, while,  when   fresh,  they  are  drastic  and  dangerous  in  sub- 
stance, and  are  said  to  produce  bloody  stools,  dizziness,  vertigo,  and 
abortion. 

• 

174.  Pedicularis.     Thirty-four  species ;  14,  2,  L. 
Pedicularis  Oanadensis.    Common  lousewort.   It  is  vulnerary,  and 

sometimes  called  heal-all.  The  Indians  used  to  cure  the  bite  of  the 
rattlesnake  with  this  plant. 

ORDER  213. — SOLANACE^E. 

175.  Solatium.     One  hundred  and  fifty-six  species  ;  5,  1,  L. 
Solanum  dulcamara.     Bittersweet ;    woody  nightshade ;    poison 

bittersweet.     This  must  not  be  confounded  with  the  celastrus  scan- 


901 

dens,  or  waxwork,  which  is  universally  called  bittersweet  by  the 
common  people.  The  solanum  dulcamara  is  narcotic,  as  are  all  the 
solanums,  diaphoretic  and  diuretic.  Bigelow  has  painted  it  ele- 
gantly in  his  splendid  Medical  Botany. 

176.  Solanum  nigrum ;  variety  Virginianum.     Common  night- 
shade ;  garden  nightshade.     A  light  decoction  of  the  leaves,  taken 
at  bedtime,  occasions  a  free  perspiration,  increases  the  urine,  and 
produces  a  purgative  effect  the  following  day.     The  leaves  applied 
externally,  abate  inflammation  and  assuage  pain.     The  leaves  are 
poisonous,  and  to  poultry  they  are  immediately  fatal.     Externally, 
it  has  been  found  a  useful  discutient  and  anodyne  in  various  affec- 
tions of  the  skin,  tumefactions  of  the  glands,  ulcers,  and  disorders 
of  the  eyes.     With  the  Arabians,  it  is  a  common  application  to 
burns  and  ulcers,  and  Ray  speaks  highly  of  it  in  indurations  of  the 
breast.     Mr.  Gattaker  has  recommended,  in  a  publication  on  the 
subject,  its  internal  use  in  old  sores,  scrofulous  and  cancerous  ulcers, 
cutaneous  eruptions,  and  even  in  dropsies;  one  grain  of  the  dried 
leaves,  he  says,  infused  in  an  ounce  of  water,  sometimes  produced 
considerable  effect ;  in  a  dose  of  two  or  three  grains,  it   seldom 
failed  to  evacuate  the  first  passages,  and  to  increase  sensibly  the 
discharge  from  the  skin,  or  by  the  kidneys ;  and  not  unfrequently  it 
occasions  headache,  giddiness,  dimness,  and  drowsiness.    The  flowers 
smell  like  musk. 

177.  Physalis  alkekengi.     Ground  cherry  ;  winter  cherry.     The 
berries  are  diuretic  and  sedative.     They  are  acrid  and  bitterish ; 
but  children  are  nevertheless  fond  of  them. 

178.  Hyoscyamm.    Eight  species;  5,  1,  L. 

Hyoscyamus  niger.  Black  henbane ;  stinking  nightshade.  Off. 
This  is  a  highly  narcotic,  but  most  valuable  medicine  in  the  hands 
of  judicious  physicians.  In  many  respects,  it  is  superior  to  opium, 
as  it  is  not  apt  to  leave  the  bowels  in  a  costive  state.  See  Dispen- 
satories. 

179.  Datura.     Eight  species  ;  5,  1,  L. 

Datura  stramonium.  Thorn  apple;  apple  peru;  Jamestown 
weed,  &c.  Off.  This  valuable  anodyne  and  narcotic  may  also  be 
found  well  described  in  all  our  standard  materia  medicas. 


902 

180.  Verbascum.     Twenty-seven  species;  5, 1,  L. 

Verbascum  thapsus.  Mullein.  Off.  This  plant  is  slightly  nar- 
cotic, anodyne  and  emollient.  It  was  in  early  use  by  the  fathers  of 
our  profession,  and  was  much  extolled  by  Woodville,  Home,  Bergius, 
Withering,  and  many  otners,  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  piles,  &c. 

ORDER  220. — VERBENACE^I. 

181.  Verbena.     Twenty-one  species  ;  14,  1,  L.     Sec. 

Verbena  hastata.  Purple  vervain.  Sec.  The  vervain  was  former- 
ly used  in  sacrificial  rites,  and  in  the  superstitions  of  the  day.  In 
later  times,  it  has  been  used  as  a  cataplasm,  by  which  the  most 
severe  and  obstinate  cases  of  cephalalgia  are  said  to  have  been 
cured.  It  is  bitter,  emetic,  and  expectorant,  and  is  much  used  as 
an  ingredient  in  syrups  for  coughs,  consumptions,  &c.  The  steamers 
think  this  plant  almost  equal  to  the  lobelia  as  an  emetic. 

182.  Verbena  urticifolia.     Nettle-leaved    vervain.     Sec.     This 
plant  has   been   employed  with  advantage  in  poisoning  from  the 
poison  sumach.     It  is  prepared  by  boiling  it  with  the  inner  bark  of 
the  white  oak.     Thus  prepared,  it  is  used  in  erysipelas. 

183.  Lycopus ;  2,  1,  L. 

Lycopus  Virginicus.  Water  agrimony ;  bugle.  Sec.  In  a  paper, 
upon  this  subject,  published  in  the  New  York  Journ.  of  Med.  and 
Surg.  for  1846,  I  have  spoken  of  this  plant  as  being  one  of  the 
most  valuable  styptics  we  possess  in  our  vegetable  materia  medica. 

184.  Monarda.     Eight  species,  2,  1,  L. 

Monarda  oblongata.  Mountain  balm  ;  or,  mountain  mint.  Off. 
The  monardas  are  allied  to  the  melissas.  They  are  tonic,  febrifuge, 
nervine,  antiseptic,  and  anti-emetic. 

185.  Hedeoma.     Three  species ;  14,  1,  L. 

Hedeoma  pulegioides.  Pennyroyal ;  squaw  mint.  Off.  This  is 
a  stimulating,  aromatic  carminative.  It  is  a  most  powerful  emmena- 
gogue,  and  very  much  in  popular  use  for  suppression  of  the  menses. 

186.  Oollinsonia.     Four  species  ;  2,  1,  L. 

Collinsonia  Oanadensis.  Horse-balm ;  horse-weed ;  rich-weed, 
&c.  The  whole  plant  has  an  aromatic,  balsamic  smell,  somewhat 
resembling  that  species  of  sage  called  herb  clary.  It  is  carminative 


903 

and  vulnerary,  corroborant  and  diuretic,  warm  and  stimulating.  It 
is  used  in  the  form  of  poultice  for  wounds,  sores,  bruises,  &c.  In  infu- 
sion, it  is  taken  for  colic,  cramps,  headache,  indigestion,  &c.  The  whole 
plant  is  used  both  green  and  dry.  Schrepf  extols  it  in  lochial  colic, 
bites  of  snakes,  rheumatic  pains,  in  strong  friction  with  the  leaves. 
Dr.  Mease  says  the  root  infused  in  cider  has  cured  the  dropsy.  The 
decoction  is  good  in  the  sore  backs  of  horses. 

187.  Grlecoma.     Two  species  ;  14,  1,  L. 

Glecoma  hederacea.  Gill;  grow  by  the  ground;  ground  ivy. 
Sec.  This  is  tonic  and  stimulant,  and  useful  in  affections  of  the 
lungs  and  kidneys.  It  is  also  somewhat  aperient;  it  is  pectoral 
and  ophthalmic ;  used  for  debility  of  the  viscera,  for  coughs,  obstruc- 
tions, and  for  cleansing  abscesses  in  the  kidneys  and  lungs.  It  has 
been  employed  in  jaundice,  the  hypochondriac  disease,  colic,  and 
asthma.  As  a  sternutatory,  it  has  been  employed  in  headache. 

188.  Hyssopus  nepetoides.    Four  species ;  14, 1,  L.    Off.     It  is 
a  warming  stimulant,  and  slightly  aromatic.     An  infusion  of  it  is 
in  high  repute  in  coughs  and  chronic  affections  of  the  lungs.     It  is 
very  diaphoretic  and  expectorant,  and  it  is  in  great  demand  in  fevers 
and  acute  complaints. 

189.  Melissa.    Eleven  species  ;  14,  1,  L. 

Melissa  cataria.  Catnip;  catmint.  Sec.  This  is  altered  from 
nepeta  to  melissa.  An  infusion  of  the  plant  is  deemed  by  some  to 
be  almost  specific  in  chlorosis.  Cats  are  very  fond  of  it,  and  eat 
it  with  avidity.  It  is  carminative  and  stimulant,  and  much  used  in 
the  flatulence  of  infants.  Miller  says  that,  if  it  be  raised  from 
seeds,  cats  will  not  meddle  with  it.  In  support  of  this  opinion,  he 
quotes  an  old  saying :  "  If  you  sow  it,  the  cats  will  know  it ;  if  you 
set  it,  the  cats  will  eat  it."  It  is  said  to  have  been  advantageously 
administered  in  amenorrhoea.  Lindley. 

190.  Leonorus.     Eight  species ;  14,  1,  L. 

Leonorus  cardiaca.  Motherwort.  A  decoction  of  this  plant  has 
similar  properties  with  valerian,  and  is  used  in  nervous  and  hys- 
terical affections.  It  is  stimulant  and  pectoral,  and  is  employed  for 
coughs,  catarrhs,  and  heartburn. 

191.  Chenopodium.    Synonym,  Ounila.    Five  species  ;  14,  1,  L. 


904 

Cunila  mariana.  Wild  basil ;  thyme ;  stone  mint,  &c.  The 
whole  of  this  plant  is  a  pungent,  warm  aromatic,  similar  in  its  pro- 
perties to  pennyroyal.  It  is  useful  in  exciting  perspiration  in  colds, 
in  the  commencement  of  fevers,  to  promote  the  menses,  for  flatu- 
lent colic,  and  in  all  those  cases  where  the  mints  are  employed.  Its 
virtues  reside  in  an  essential  oil.  The  Indians,  says  Rafinesque, 
use  it  for  wounds ;  to  expel  a  dead  child.  It  kills  rattlesnakes  by 
holding  it  to  the  nose  by  a  stick. 

192.  Marrubium.     Fifteen  species ;  15,  1,  L. 

Marrubium  vulgaris.  Horehound.  Sec.  This  plant  is  tonic, 
with  a  rank  smell,  and  bitter  taste.  It  is  emmenagogue,  vermifuge, 
and  deobstruent,  and  is  much  used  in  humoral  asthma,  dysmenor- 
rhoea,  and  in  affections  of  the  kidneys,  menstrual  obstructions,  in 
cachectic  diseases,  and  phthisis.  It  is  more  used  in  domestic  than 
in  regular  practice.  It  is  the  basis  of  the  negro  Caesar's  remedy 
for  the  bites  of  snakes. 

193.  Prunella.     Nine  species ;  14,  1,  L. 

Prunella  Pennsylvanica.  Self-heal;  heal-all.  Sec.  It  has  a 
bitter,  austere  taste,  and  was  formerly  much  used  in  diarrhoea,  he- 
morrhages, &c.,  and  for  a  gargle  in  sore  throats.  By  the  common 
people  it  is  used  in  the  form  of  the  bruised  leaves,  for  fresh  wounds. 
As  it  is  slightly  astringent,  it  is  used  in  broths  and  apozems  for 
bleeding  at  the  lungs,  and  other  hemorrhages. 

194.  Teucrium.     Seventy-three  species ;  14,  1,  L. 

Teucrium  Oanadense.  Wood-sage;  germander.  This  plant  is 
aromatic,  bitter,  tonic,  stimulant,  emmenagogue,  &c.,  and  useful  in 
hematuria,  gout,  rheumatism,  and  chlorosis. 

195.  Mentha.     Thirty-three  species ;  14,  1,  L. 
Mentha  piperitis.     Peppermint.    Off. 

196.  Mentha  viridis.     Spearmint.    Off. 

197.  Mentha  borealis.    Horsemint ;  cornmint.  Off.    All  the  mints 
are  warm  aromatic  stimulants,  and  are  useful  in  all  those  cases 
where  aromatic  stimulants  are  required.     The  mentha  borealis  is 
said  to  prevent  the  coagulation  of  milk ;  and  when  cows  eat  largely 
of  it,  which  they  do  sometimes  at  the  end  of  summer,  their  milk  can 


905 

hardly  be  made  into  cheese.  The  plant,  bruised  and  applied  to  a 
woman's  breast,  when  it  is  caked  from  redundance  of  milk,  will  sub- 
due the  inflammation,  and  cause  the  milk  to  flow  in  a  short  time.  I 
have  been  more  successful  with  this,  in  this  complaint,  than  with  any 
other  remedy. 

198.  PyenantTiemum.     Fifteen  species  ;  14,  1,  L. 
Pyenanthemum  incanum.    Mountain  mint.    This  plant  is  similar 

in  all  respects,  in  its  properties,  to  the  pennyroyal. 

199.  Scutellaria.     Twenty-four  species  ;  14,  2,  L. 
Scutellaria  lateriflora.     Scull-cap  ;  mad-dog  weed.    Sec.    I  do  not 

feel  disposed  to  canvass  the  mooted  question,  at  this  time,  whether 
this  plant  is  efficacious  in  the  cure  of  hydrophobia.  Many  highly 
respectable  physicians  have  believed  in  its  efficacy  in  this  complaint, 
while  others  have  believed  it  to  be  inert.  According  to  Rafinesque, 
the  dried  plant  gave  one-fourth  of  soluble  matter,  and  a  very 
active  extract.  The  substances  found  in  it  by  Cadet  were  :  1.  Yel- 
low green  oil,  fixed  and  soluble  in  ether.  2.  A  bitter  principle, 
soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether.  3.  Chlorophylle.  4.  A  pecu- 
liar volatile  matter,  smelling  and  tasting  like  the  principle  of  anti- 
scorbutic plants.  5.  An  essential  oil.  6.  Albumen.  7.  A  sweet 
mucous  substance.  8.  A  peculiar  astringent  principle.  9.  Lignin. 
When  burnt,  the  ashes  afford  the  chloride  of  soda,  and  seven  other 
salts.  It  is,  therefore,  preposterous  to  deem  such  a  plant  inert.  It 
is,  says  he,  tonic,  astringent,  antispasmodic,  and  anti-hydrophobic, 
at  least.  The  steamers  consider  it  their  grand  antispasmodic. 

200.  Ocymum.     Basil.     Similar  in  its  properties  to  the  mints, 
pennyroyal,  &c. 


ORDER  222.  — 

201.   Cynoglossum.     Thirty-five  species  ;  5,  1,  L. 

Cynoglossum  officinale.  Hound's  tongue.  Sec.  Called  hound's 
tongue  from  the  shape  of  the  leaves.  The  root  and  leaves  have  an 
odour  like  mice,  and  it  is  said  that  rats  will  not  infest  a  barn  where 
this  plant  is  deposited.  Many  writers  consider  this  plant  poisonous, 
while  others  think  it  inert.  The  point  is  unsettled.  It  has  been 
employed  as  a  demulcent  and  sedative  in  spitting  of  blood,  coughs, 
catarrhs,  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  &c.  ;  likewise  in  burns,  scrofulous 
tumours,  ulcers,  &c.  The  leaves,  smoked  like  tobacco,  are  narcotic. 
VOL.  II.  —  58 


906 

SUB-CLASS  II.  EXOGYN^E. 

Tribe  2.   G-ymnospermse. 

ORDER  229.  —  ALISMACE.E. 

202.  Alisma.     Ten  species  ;  18,  13,  L. 

Alisma  plantago.  Great  water  plantain.  This  plant  formerly 
obtained  great  celebrity  as  a  specific  in  hydrophobia.  Most  modern 
writers  think  it  is  not  entitled  to  the  high  encomiums  bestowed  upon 
it  by  the  Russian  physicians.  So  long  ago  as  the  days  of  Dioscorides, 
this  plant  was  considered  efficacious  as  an  antidote  to  opium.  The 
whole  plant  is  irritant.  The  fresh  root  is  acrid  and  nauseating, 
and,  applied  to  the  skin,  will  often  excite  vesication.  It  loses  this 
quality  by  drying  ;  and,  like  the  arum,  becomes  nutritious.  It  has 
also  been  considered  useful  in  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs. 


ORDER  239.  — 

203.  Iris.     Fifty-nine  species  ;  3,  1,  L. 

Iris  Virginica.  Flower  de  luce.  This  plant  possesses  cafhartic 
properties.  It  is  acrid  and  stimulant.  The  expressed  juice  of  the 
roots,  in  a  dose  of  sixty  or  seventy  drops,  will  frequently  operate, 
when  the  drastric  cathartics  have  failed.  It  is  also  diuretic  and 
emetic.  An  ointment  of  it  is  said  to  cure  the  itch  and  other  affec- 
tions of  the  skin  ;  and  it  is  good  for  inflamed  breasts,  indolent 
ulcers,  &c. 

ORDER  240.  —  ORCHIDE^I. 

204.  Orchis.     Eighty-seven  species  ;  19,  2,  L. 

Orchis  fimbriata.  Gay  orchis  ;  twin-root  orchis.  From  the  orchis 
a  salep  is  made.  The  roots  of  this  species  are  vermifuge,  and  the 
powder  is  said  to  kill  worms  by  touching  them  with  it. 

205.  Arethusa.     Eight  species  ;  19,  2,  L. 

Arethusa  bulbosa.  Arethusa.  Schoepf  says  that  the  bruised 
bulbs  are  useful  for  the  toothache  ;  and  they  are  of  service  in  poul- 
tices for  tumours. 

206.  Oypripedium.     Ten  species  ;  19,  2,  L. 

Oypripedium  luteum.    Yellow  ladies'  slipper  ;  American  valerian  ; 


90T 

nerve  powder.  This  plant  is  much  in  vogue  with  the  quacks  and 
steamers.  They  say  it  possesses  properties  equal,  if  not  superior, 
to  foreign  valerian.  They  dry  the  root  and  powder  it  fine,  and 
keep  it  in  tight  stopped  bottles.  They  call  it  nervine,  and  use  it 
in  nervous  affections.  They  also  employ  it  to  assist  the  operation 
of  their  emetics,  in  doses  of  half  a  teaspoonful.  It  is  said  to  quiet 
the  nerves,  prevent  spasm,  and  produce  sleep  without  stupefying. 
When  a  person  cannot  sleep,  they  put  a  teaspoonful  of  this  powder 
into  a  teacupful  of  pennyroyal  tea,  and  drink  it  warm  on  going  to 
bed  at  night,  and  they  say  it  will  produce  quiet  and  refreshing 
sleep.  The  root  is  the  only  part  used.  The  roots  are  pungent  and 
mucilaginous. 

207.  Cypripedium  spectdbile,  gay  ladies'  slipper,  and 

208.  Cypripedium  humile,   love   ladies'    slipper,    are   possessed 
of  similar  properties.     They  are  all  said  to  be  nervine,  antispas- 
modic,  and  sedative.     They  are  used  in  hemicrania  and  nervous 
fevers.     In  many  cases,  the  steamers  think  they  are  preferable  to 
opium.     Their  power  is  increased  by  combining  them  with  tonics. 
I'he  Indians  call  the  cypripediums  pappoose,  shepherd's  purse,  squaw 
moccason.     They  say  its  principal  use  is  for  women.     It  relieves 
them  when  they  are  obstinate  in  their  monthly  courses,  and  facili- 
tates the  birth  of  children. 

ORDER  245. — MELANTHACE^I. 

209.  Helonias  dioica.     Devil's  bit.     The  decoction  of  the  root  of 
this  plant  is  used  for  colic.     It  is  thought  to  be  anthelmintic,  bitter, 
and  tonic. 

210.  Veratrum.     Nine  species. 

Veratrum  viride.  Green  hellebore.  Off.  This  plant  possesses 
properties  somewhat  like  the  black  hellebore  of  the  shops.  It  is 
acrid,  nauseous,  emetic,  sternutatory,  diuretic,  &c.  I  have  used  it 
With  success,  combined  with  other  diuretics,  in  dropsy.  A  few 
grains,  snuffed  up  the  nose,  proves  powerfully  sternutatory ;  and  I 
have  often  employed  it  in  cases  of  periodical  headache,  attended 
with  dryness  of  the  nostrils.  It  is  prescribed  in  mania,  psora,  &c., 
but  must  be  used  with  caution. 

211.  Allium.     One  hundred  species ;  6,  1,  L. 


908 

Allium  Canadense.  Wild  onion.  The  properties  of  this  plant 
are  similar  to  onions,  garlic,  &c. 

ORDER  245.  —  SMILACE^I. 

212.  Smilax.     Forty-nine  species  ;  21,  6,  L. 

Smilax  rotundifolia.  Green  briar.  An  infusion  of  this  is  said 
to  be  of  service  in  mercurial  salivation,  in  chronic  rheumatism,  and 
affections  of  the  skin. 

213.  Smilax  sarsaparilla.    Sarsaparilla.    This  possesses  the  same 
properties  as  the  sarsaparilla  of  commerce,  but  in  a  more  feeble 
degree. 

214.  Convallaria.     Twelve  species  ;  6,  2,  L. 

Oonvallaria  multiflora.  Great  Solomon's  seal.  Sec.  The  root  of 
this  plant  has  been  efficaciously  used  in  the  cure  of  the  piles.  Take 
one  pound  of  the  green  root,  or  four  ounces  of  the  dry  root.  Boil 
in  one  quart  of  water  to  one  pint  ;  strain,  and  add  a  pint  of  molas- 
ses ;  simmer,  and  take  a  wineglassful  three  times  a-day. 

215.  Trillium.     Six  species,  according  to  the  New  Edinburgh 
Encyclopedia.     Thirty-five,  according  to  Rafinesque  ;  6,  3,  L. 

Trillium  erectum.     Wake-robin  ;  beth. 

216.  Trillium  cornuum.     Nodding  wake-robin. 

217.  Trillium  pictum.     Painted  trillium.     Rafinesque   says   he 
was  the  first  to  introduce  this  species  of  plants  into  the  materia 
medica.     His  Medical  Flora  was  published  in  1830,  when  he  an- 
nounced the  fact,  as  he  called  it.     It  has  been  in  use  here  as  an 
astringent  more  than  forty  years  ;  and  I  consider  it  one  of  our  most 
valuable  medicines  in  that  class.     It  should  certainly  be  ranked  as 
officinal.     Henry  introduced  it  in  his  Medical  Botany  as  long  ago 
as  the  year  1812  ;  and  I  believe  earlier.     In  1819,  I  published  a 
full  account  of  its  virtues  in  the  New  England  Journal  of  Medicine 
and  Surgery  ;  and  in  1846,  in  the  New  York  Journal  of  Medicine. 


ORDER  251.  — 
218.  ErytTironium.     Two  species  ;  6,  1,  L. 
ErythroniumAmericanum.  Adder's  tongue;  dog-tooth  violet.  Off. 
The  whole  plant  contains  fecula,  mucilage,  and  resin,  and  an  acrid, 


909 

volatile  principle.  When  dry,  the  root  is  farinaceous.  The  bulbs 
of  the  root  and  the  leaves  are  emetic,  emollient,  and  suppurative, 
nutritive  when  dry,  possessing  many  of  the  properties  of  lilies.  The 
dose  of  the  green  bulb  is  twenty-five  grains  for  an  emetic  effect.  As 
it  loses  its  activity  by  drying,  it  is  an  uncertain  emetic.  Bigelow 
proposes  trying  it  as  a  substitute  for  colchicum.  Steward  says  it  is 
one  of  the  most  certain  remedies  in  mercurial  sore  mouth  of  any 
yet  discovered.  I  have  not  much  faith  in  its  efficacy  in  this  respect. 
It  is  diuretic,  and  useful  in  dropsy. 

ORDER  255. — TYPHIACE^I. 

219.  Typlia.     Six  species;  20,  3,  L. 

Typlia  latifolia.  Cat-tail  flag;  reed-mace.  The  roots  are  escu- 
lent, and  febrifuge.  Their  fecula  yields  a  tenth  of  the  whole  root, 
similar  to  salep.  Boiled  in  milk,  it  forms  a  porridge  equal  to  that 
of  genuine  arrowroot,  and  useful  in  diarrhoeas,  dysenteries,  and  in 
affections  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  and  bowels. 

ORDER  256. — AROIDEJE. 

220.  Arum.     Twenty-eight  species;  20,  13,  L. 

Arum  tripJiyllum.  Wild  turnip.  Sec.  The  whole  plant  is  vio- 
lently acrid,  and  very  caustic  to  the  tongue,  but  not  to  the  skin.  It 
loses  its  causticity,  in  a  great  measure,  by  drying.  It  is  stimulant, 
expectorant,  carminative,  and  diaphoretic.  The  fresh  root  is  too 
caustic  to  be  taken  internally.  The  dried  root  is  often  mixed  with 
honey,  for  an  expectorant,  in  teaspoonful  doses.  It  is  good  in 
aphthae,  in  flatulence,  and  in  cramps.  It  stimulates  the  stomach. 

221.  Arum  dracontium.     Gum  dragon.     Possesses  similar  pro- 
perties. 

222.  Oella.     Three  species;  20,  13,  L. 

Calla  palustris.  Swamp  robin ;  water  arum.  The  properties  of 
this  are  likewise  similar  to  the  arums. 

223.  Ictodes  foetida.     Synonym,  Pothos  foetida.     4,  1,  L.     Off. 
This  powerful  stimulant  plant  is  so  accurately  described  by  all  writ- 
ers on  the  Materia  Medica  that  I  need  not  refer  to  them. 

224.  Acorus.     Two  species  ;  6,  1,  L. 


910 

Acorus  calamus.  Sweet  flag.  Sec.  The  root  is  the  only  part 
used,  and  it  is  highly  aromatic  and  tonic. 

ORDER  000. — CINCHONACEJE. 

225.  OepJialantus   occidentals.     Button-bush;   4,    1,   L.      The 
whole  of  this  plant  is  bitter,  especially  the  bark  of  the  root.     It  is 
tonic,  diaphoretic,  and  febrifuge.     All  the  parts  of  the  plant  are 
used.     The  flowers  and  leaves  make  a  fine,  fragrant  syrup,  which  is 
tonic  and  laxative,  and  is  useful  in  intermittent  fever,  and  in  relaxed 
bowels. 

226.  Oornus.     Fourteen  species  ;  4,  1,  L.     N.  0.   Oornacese. 
Cornus  florida.      Dogwood;  box-tree.      The   properties  of  this 

article  are  astringent  and  tonic,  and  it  has  long  been  used  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  Peruvian  bark ;  and  even  cornine  has  been  prepared  from 
it,  like  quinine.  It  may  be  administered  for  the  same  purposes,  and 
in  the  same  dose  with  quinine. 

227.  Oornus  sericea.     Swamp  dogwood.    Sec.    And 

228.  Cornus  circinea.    Round  dogwood ;  possesses  similar  proper- 
ties with  the  above. 

229.  MitcMla.    N.  0.;  4,  1,  L.     Sixteen  species. 

MitcTiella  repens.  Creeping  chequer  berry;  two-eyed  chequer 
berry.  This  plant  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  the  Gaultheria  procum- 
bens,  they  both  being  evergreen ;  but  this  is  a  creeping  plant,  and 
that  erect.  This  has  no  aromatic  property,  while  the  Gaultheria  is 
very  spicy.  This  is  a  most  valuable  diuretic,  and  is  extensively  used 
for  the  cure  of  dropsy.  The  red  berries  are  mildly  astringent,  and 
are  used,  also,  for  the  cure  of  diarrhoea.  The  Indian  Dr.  Louis  uses 
it  in  combination  with  the  Spiraea  alba,  a  species  of  hardhack,  for 
the  cure  of  salt  rheum. 

230.  Lysimachia.     Twenty  species. 

LysimacJiia  racemosa.  Loose  strife.  This  plant  is  slightly  as- 
tringent, stomachic,  and  expectorant.  It  is  good  for  coughs  and 
colds,  and  to  improve  the  appetite. 

N.  0. — CAPRIFOLIACE.E. 

231.  Triosteum.     Three  species ;  5,  1,  L. 


911 

Triosteum  perfotiatum.  Horse  ginseng ;  fever  root.  The  root  is 
cathartic,  and  in  large  doses  emetic.  It  is  thought  by  some  to  be 
diuretic.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  employed.  It  is  useful 
in  fevers,  pleurisies,  agues,  &c.  Dose :  twenty  or  thirty  grains  of 
the  powder  operate  as  a  cathartic. 

N.  0. — ANACARDIACEJE. 

232.  Rhus.     Forty-two  species ;  5,  3,  L. 

Rhus  vernix.     Poison  sumach ;  swamp  sumach;  dogwood.  Off. 

233.  Rhus  toxicodendron.      Poison  sumach.     These  are  some  of 
the  most  poisonous  vegetables  known  in  our  country,  hardly  except- 
ing the  poison  lobelia. 

234.  Rhus  copalinum.     Common  sumach. 
i 

235.  Rhus  glabrum.     Smooth  sumach.     Sec.     These  plants  are 
valuable  astringents.     An  infusion  of  the  berries  makes  an  excellent 
gargle  for  aphtha.     The  decoction  of  the  bark  has  been  successfully 
applied  in  cases  of  diarrhoea  and  dysentery. 

N.  0. — XANTHOXYLACE^I.    21,  5,  L. 

236.  Xanthoxylon  fraxineum.   Prickly  ash.  See  Aralia  spinosa. 

N.  0. — CELARTRACE.E. 

237.  Oelastrus  scandens.     False   bittersweet;  wax   work.      This 
plant  is  extensively  used  in  the  form  of  ointment,  as  an  excellent 
discutient  in  all  indolent  indurations,  and  swellings,  both  acute  and 
chronic ;  for  cakes  in  the  udders  of  cows,  it  has  been  more  exten- 
sively used  than  any  within  my  knowledge.     I  have  used  it  success- 
fully for  prurigo  labialis  with  more  relief  than  any  other  applica- 
tion.    It  is  good  in  burns,  and  excoriations.     It  is  diuretic,  and  a 
decoction  of  the  bark  of  the  roots  has  been  successfully  used  in 
strangury  and  gravel.     It  is  said  to  be  antisyphilitic  and  emetic. 

N.  0. — RHAMNACE.E. 

238.  Ceanothus  Americana.    5,   1,  L.     New  Jersey  tea;  Sec. 
Nine  species  of  Ceanothus.     This  is  an  elegant  astringent,  and  was 
used  by  the  soldiers  in  the  Revolutionary  war  as  a  substitute  for  tea. 


912 

N.  0. — AMENTACE.E. 

239.  Celtis.     Fifteen  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Celtis  crassifolia.  I  have  seen  but  a  single  tree  of  this  species  in 
Massachusetts ;  there  may  be  many  more.  I  believe  it  is  a  native 
of  the  South  and  West.  The  bark  is  anodyne  and  refrigerant.  The 
berries,  which  are  sweet  and  sub-astringent,  are  good  to  eat,  and  are 
useful  in  dysentery. 

N.  0. — AMENTACE^I. 

240.  Alnus.     Four  species ;  20,  4,  L. 

Alnus  ferrulata.  Alder.  Sec.  The  leaves  are  bitter  and  astring- 
ent. When  applied  to  the  female  breast,  they  are  said  to  repel  the 
milk.  The  bark  is  a  most  valuable  astringent.  I  have  published 
an  account  of  its  efficacy  in  hgematuria,  in  the  New  York  Journal 
of  Medicine  for  1846.  Dr.  Hilmich,  of  Zanesville,  Ohio,  in  the 
same  journal,  for  1847,  extols  it  for  cancerous  ulcerations,  ill-con- 
ditioned ulcers,  scrofulous  affections,  syphilis,  and  hepatic  eruptions. 

N.  0. — UMBELLIFER^:. 

241.  Heracleum.     Eleven  species ;  5,  2,  L. 

Heracleum  lanatum.  Masterwort ;  cow  parsnep.  Sec.  See  the 
article  Smyrnium,  and  the  controversy  on  the  subject  between  Dr. 
Partridge  and  Dr.  Thacher.  This  is  a  warm,  stimulating  carmina- 
tive, and  has  been  successfully  employed  by  Dr.  Orne,  of  Salem,  in 
cases  of  epilepsy. 

242.  Ligusticum.    Eighteen  species ;  2,  5,  L. 

Ligusticum  levisticum.  Smellage.  Sec.  The  whole  plant  is  most 
aromatic  and  pungent.  It  possesses  a  resin  similar  to  opoponax. 
All  the  parts  of  the  plant  are  used ;  but  the  seeds  are  the  most  act- 
ive. The  properties  of  this  plant  are  similar  to  angelica.  It  has 
been  employed  as  an  emmenagogue,  carminative,  and  diaphoretic,  in 
form  of  infusion.  W.  and  B. 

N.  0. — CAPRIFOLIACE^I. 

243.  Lonicera.    Twenty-two  species*;  5,  1,  L. 

Linicera  sempervirens.  Honeysuckle.  The  ripe  berries  of  this 
beautiful  plant  are  strongly  purgative.  The  leaves  and  flowers  are 
bitterish,  mucilaginous,  and  detersive.  A  syrup  is  prepared  from 
them  for  sore-throat  and  irritability  of  the  lungs. 


913 

N.  0. — CAPRIFOLIACE.E. 

244.  Sambucus.     Six  species ;  5,  3,  L. 

Samlucus  nigra.  Black-berried  elder.  Off.  Diuretic  and  laxa- 
tive. The  green  bark,  infused  in  wine,  is  excellent  in  dropsy. 

245.  Sambucus  rubra.     Red  elder.     The  bark  of  this  species,  in 
decoction,  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  hydragogue  cathartics  which 
we  possess.     In  large  doses,  it  is  emetic. 

N.  0. — RHAMNACE.E. 

246.  Rhamnus.     Forty  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Hhamnus  catharticus.  Off.  Buckthorn.  Mildly  cathartic,  hydra- 
gogue, and  emmenagogue.  Used  in  dropsy,  rheumatism,  gout,  and 
hepatic  eruptions. 

N.  0. — ULMACE^I. 

247.  Ulmus  fulvse.  Off.     Slippery  elm.     Seven  species  of  ulnus. 
Rafinesque  says,  "  A  specific  to  procure  easy  labour  to  pregnant 
women,  by  using  the  tea  for  two  months  previous;  well  known  to 
Indian  women,  whose  easy  parturition  has  often  been  noticed ;  now 
becoming  in  general  use."     I  wish  it  might  prove  generally  true 
among  civilized  women.     One  of  the  very  best  demulcents  known. 

N.  0. — BOB  AGIN  ACE^. 

248.  SympMtum.     Six  species ;  5,  1,  L. 

Symphitwn  officinale.  Comfrey.  Sec.  This  plant  contains  a 
mucilage  of  a  slightly  astringent  taste,  almost  inodorous.  It  con- 
tains mucilage  and  tannin.  It  was  formerly  in  great  use  as  a  vul- 
nerary ;  but  not  in  much  vogue  now.  Much  used  in  coughs  and 
strengthening  syrups,  and  in  female  weaknesses. 

N.  0. — NARCISSUS. 

249.  Hypoxis.     Eighteen  species;  6,  1,  L. 

Hypoxis  erecta.  Yellow-eyed  grass ;  star  grass.  This  beautiful 
little  grass  is  vulnerary  and  febrifuge.  The  roots  are  sometimes 
eaten.  They  are  used  in  long-standing  ulcers  and  agues. 

N.  0. — RHAMNACE^;. 

250.  Prinos.    6,  1,  L. 

Prinos  verticillatus.  Black  alder ;  red-berried  alder.  Sec.  The 
inner  bark  is  emetic  and  cathartic,  tonic  and  astringent.  It  is  used 


914 

in  intermittent  and  other  fevers,  dropsies,  hepatic  eruptions,  jaundice, 
foul  ulcers,  &c.,  either  in  powder,  decoction,  tincture,  or  poultice. 
The  red  berries,  which  adorn  the  shrub  during  the  winter,  are  pur- 
gative and  vermifuge,  tonic  and  bitter. 

251.  Caulophyllum.     6,  1,  L. 

CaulopJiyllum  thalictroides.  Blue-berry  cohosh.  This  plant  is 
different  from  the  actseas,  which  are  sometimes  called  cohosh,  and 
must  not  be  mistaken  for  them.  The  root  is  the  only  part  employed. 
It  is  demulcent,  antispasmodic,  sudorific,  and  emmenagogue.  The 
Indians  and  quacks  recommend  it  in  colic,  sore  throat,  rheuma- 
tism, dropsies,  &c.  It  partakes  of  the  nature  of  ginseng  and  seneka. 
The  Indian  women  use  it  successfully  in  cases  of  lingering  parturi- 
tion. It  appears  to  be  peculiarly  suited  to  female  complaints.  It 
is  a  powerful  emmenagogue,  and  promotes  delivery,  the  menstrual 
flux,  and  dropsical  discharges.  It  should  be  given  in  warm  infusion, 
decoction,  tincture,  syrup,  or  cordial.  It  contains  gum,  resin,  and 
oil.  Raf. 

252.  Oimicifuga  racemosa.    Cohosh,  black  snakeroot,  may  be  the 
synonym  for  the  above,  as  its  properties  are  similar. 

N.  0. — LlLIACEJE. 

253.  Uvularia.     Eleven  species;  6,  1,  L. 

Uvularia  perfoliata.  Bellwort.  The  roots,  when  fresh,  yield  a 
fine  mucilage.  It  is  used,  like  the  cypripedium,  as  a  nervine.  It 
is  said  to  cure  sore  throat,  by  chewing  it  and  swallowing  the  saliva. 
It  is  said,  also,  to  cure  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake,  like  the  hieraceum. 
It  is  used  in  cases  of  wounds,  sores,  &c.  The  young  shoots  are 
edible  like  asparagus ;  and  the  dried  roots,  when  cooked,  are  also 
edible. 

N.  0. — ACERA. 

254.  Acer  montanum.    Rock,  or  sugar-maple.     Twenty-two  spe- 
cies of  acer;  8,  1,  L.     This  species  is  most  valuable  on  account  of 
the  sugar  which  it  yields,  which  has  become  almost  one  of  the  staple 
commodities  of  the  United  States. 

255.  Acer  rubrum.      Soft  maple;  red  maple;  meadow  maple. 
This  species  is  also  used  in  making  sugar,  but  its  sap  is  more  aqueous, 
and  yields  less  sugar.     A  good  ink  is  made  by  boiling  it  with  cop- 


915 

peras  (sulphate  of  iron).  A  wash  for  sore  eyes  is  made  by  the 
Cherokee  Indians,  by  boiling  the  inner  bark  with  water.  I  have 
seen  it  used  successfully. 

256.  Acer  striatum.  Striped  maple  bush ;  cancer  bush,  &c.  This 
is  a  handsome  tree,  which  seldom  grows  larger  than  a  shrub.  The 
bark  is  handsomely  striated  with  green  and  brown.  The  bark  of 
this  tree  has  obtained  some  reputation  as  a  remedy  in  cancerous 
and  other  eruptions,  by  drinking  and  washing  with  a  decoction  of  it. 
But  little  dependence  can,  however,  be  placed  upon  it.  The  leaves 
have  been  used  as  a  local  application  to  the  inflamed  breast. 

N.  0. — THYMELACE^:. 

25T.  Direct.    8,  1,  L. 

Dirca  palmtris.  Leather-wood ;  moose- wood.  Sec.  The  berries 
of  this  plant  are  thought  to  be  poisonous.  The  bark  is  tough  as 
leather,  and  it  is  used  by  the  Indians  instead  of  ropes ;  it  is  emetic, 
cathartic,  rubefacient,  and  epispastic ;  the  bark  and  roots  are  the 
parts  employed;  its  properties  are  similar  to  mezereon  and  seneka, 
but  it  is  more  powerful  than  the  latter. 

N.  0. — ERICE.E. 

258.  Arbutus.     Two  species ;  10,  1,  L. 

Arbutus  uva  ursi.  Bearberry ;  mountain  box.  Off.  Diuretic, 
and  slightly  astringent  and  tonic.  It  is  used  in  nephritis,  gravel, 
catarrhs,  strangury,  leucorrhoea,  &c.  It  has  been  employed  some- 
what extensively  in  consumption,  checking  hectic  fever. 

259.  Craultheria.     Six  species ;  10,  1,  L. 

Graultheria  procumbens.  Off.  Partridge  berry ;  chequer  berry ; 
mountain  tea;  grouse  berry;  dewberry;  spice  berry;  teaberry; 
red  berry;  winter  green;  red  berry  tea;  ground  berry;  ivy;  ground 
holly ;  hill  berry ;  box  berry.  No  less  than  fifteen  common  names 
for  one  plant.  This  shows  how  extremely  arbitrary  are  our  common 
English  or  vulgar  names  for  plants.  This  is  a  warm,  stimulating 
aromatic,  the  properties  of  which  are  well  known. 

260.  Kalmia.     Five  species  ;  10, 1,  L. 

Kalmia  latifolia.  Broad-leaved  laurel.  Sec.  The  leaves  are 
poisonous,  and  narcotic  in  their  operation.  They  are  extensively 
used  in  medical  practice.  An  account  of  the  uses  of  the  plant  may 


916 

be  found  in  our  Materia  Medicas,  and  a  beautiful  plate  and  descrip- 
tion in  Bigelow's  Medical  Botany. 

261.  Kalmia   angustifolia.     Narrow-leaved   laurel;   low  laurel. 
The  honey  extracted  from  this,  and  the  other  species  of  laurel,  by 
bees,  is  poisonous.     The  medical  properties  of  this  species  are  some- 
what similar  to  the  above.     When  the  tribe  of  Indians  from  Canada 
were  here  in  1837,  Louis  Watso,  their  doctor,  gave  me  an  account  of 
the  principal  medical  plants  which  they  used  in  their  practice.     He 
said  that  a  plaster  made  by  boiling  this  plant  to  a  salve,  applied  to 
the  affected  part,  would  cure  the  rheumatism.     See  my  manuscript, 
Medical  Botany,  page  71. 

262.  Ledum.     Three  species;  10,  1,  L. 

Ledum  latifolium.  Labrador  tea;  marsh  tea.  Sec.  This  plant 
has  been  used  as  a  substitute  for  China  tea,  but  it  is  a  good  deal 
stronger.  The  leaves  are  bitter,  cephalic,  pectoral,  and  exanthema- 
tic.  Good  in  cutaneous  eruptions,  leprosy,  &c.,  in  strong  decoction. 
It  is  said  to  kill  lice,  insects.  &c. 

263.  Rhododendron  maximus.     Rosebay;  mountain  laurel.    This 
beautiful   plant  is  very  scarce  in  Massachusetts.     It  is  found  at 
Plainfield,  Hampshire  county.    It  is  beautifully  figured  and  described 
by  Bigelow.     The  bark  and  leaves  are  astringent.     The  bark  is  sti- 
mulant; used  in  rheumatism  and  gout.     The  leaves  are  poisonous  to 
cattle. 

N.  0. — FABACE^:. 

264.  Poddlyria.    Synonym,  Baptisia  soplwra.     17  species;  10, 
1,L. 

Poddlyria  tinctoria.  Indigo  weed.  Sec.  This  plant  is  emetic 
and  cathartic.  When  formed  into  an  ointment,  it  cleanses  foul 
ulcers,  and  is  of  service  in  inflammatory  tumours,  and  irritable  ul- 
cers. The  plant  placed  in  the  harness  keeps  flies  from  horses. 

265.  Vaccinium.     Forty-three  species;  10,  1,  L.     Whortleber- 
ries;   huckleberries.      These   are   pleasant   fruits,  blue,  or   black, 
slightly  astringent,  cooling,  and  diuretic.     They  are   used  exten- 
sively, either  raw  or  cooked,  as  articles  of  food.    They  are  employed 
in  diarrhoea,  bilious  fevers,  dropsy,  and  scorbutic  affections.     The 


917 

leaves  are  astringent,  and  tan  leather.  A  tea  is  made  of  them  for 
sore  mouth. 

N.  0. — PORTULACCE^l. 

266.  Portulaca.     Eight  species ;  11,  1,  L. 

Portulaca  oleracea.  Common  purslane.  Sec.  This  plant  grows 
in  our  gardens,  and  is  a  valuable  esculent.  It  has  been  considered 
diuretic  and  vermifuge.  It  is  refrigerant  and  corroborant,  but  mild. 
Used  in  urinary  complaints,  and  for  ulcers  in  the  mouth.  A  cool- 
ing ointment  is  made  from  it  for  sore  lips  and  nipples. 

N.  0. — ClSTACE^l. 

267.  Cistus  Canadensis.    Rock  rose ;  13,  1,  L.    It  has  been  use- 
ful in  the  treatment  of  scrofula,  in  decoction,  and  in  cataplasm. 

N.  0. — SCROPHULARE^l. 

268.  Antirhinum.     Eighty-two  species ;  14,  2,  L. 
Antirhinum  linaria.    Toad  flax.    This  plant  was  formerly  in  great 

repute  as  a  purgative  and  diuretic,  but  it  is  less  used  than  formerly. 
In  the  form  of  ointment  prepared  from  the  leaves,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  it  is  highly  efficacious  for  the  cure  of  piles.  It  relieves 
the  pain  and  irritation  of  the  hemorrhoidal  tumours,  when  rubbed 
upon  them.  The  ointment  is  also  useful  in  diseases  of  the  skin.  The 
leaves  have  been  recommended  in  dropsies,  on  account  of  their  diu- 
retic qualities.  The  expressed  juice  mixed  in  milk  is  a  poison  to 
flies,  and  the  smell  of  the  flower  also  kills  them.  One  species,  the 
A.  cymbellaria,  by  mixing  the  dry  plant  with  sugar,  cured  diabetes 
in  Hindostan. 

N.  0. — AMARANTHACE.E. 

269.  Amaranthus  melancholicus.    Thirty-seven  species.   Prince's 
feather ;  20,  5,  L.      This  plant  is  used  for  emollient  poultices  in 
England  (Lindley).      In  strong  decoction,  it  has  proved  efficacious 
in  arresting  uterine  hemorrhage,  when  other  powerful  styptics  have 
failed.     Many  species  of  amaranth  have  been  cultivated  in  our  gar- 
dens for  the  beauty  of  their  flowers.     They  are  boiled  and  eaten 
like  pot  herbs. 

N.  0. — AMENTACE^I. 

270.  Betula.     Seventeen  species ;  20,  13,  L. 

Betula  lenta.     Sweet  birch  ;  cherry  birch ;  black  birch ;  mount- 


918 

ain  mahogany.  The  wood  is  much  used  by  cabinet-makers ;  and 
it  admits  of  a  very  high  polish.  The  bark  affords  a  pleasant, 
aromatic  spice,  like  the  chequer  berry.  It  is  pectoral,  diuretic,  and 
stimulant.  It  is  good  for  colds,  coughs,  and  affections  of  the  breast. 
Used  by  empirics  in  the  form  of  tea,  from  the  twigs,  for  obstruction 
of  perspirations,  and  other  kinds  of  obstructions  ;  and  for  disorders 
of  the  bowels.  A  good  sugar  is  made  from  the  sap. 

271.  Betula  populifolia.     White  birch.     The  inner  bark  is  as- 
tringent, and  has  been  employed  in  intermittent  fever.     From  the 
bark  a  peculiar  substance  is  formed,  with  which  the  Kussians  tan 
leather.     The  leaves,  in  infusion,  have  been  used  in  rheumatism, 
gout,  and  cutaneous  diseases.     Dropsies  have  been  relieved  by  en- 
veloping the  body  in  the  fresh  leaves  of  the  birch,  exciting  perspi- 
ration.   The  sap  is  useful  in  complaints  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder. 
The  bark  is  used  by  the  Indians  for  making  canoes.     The  layers 
of  the  bark  may  be  placed  in  the  inside  of  boots  and  shoes  to  pre- 
vent the  feet  becoming  wet.     The  white,  smooth  bark  can  be  writ- 
ten on  like  paper. 

272.  Betula  rubra.     Red  birch.     Possesses  similar  properties. 

273.  Oastanea.     Two  species  ;  20,  13,  L. 

Castanea  Americana.  Chestnut.  The  fruit  of  this  valuable 
tree  is  well  known.  Chestnuts  are  too  flatulent  to  be  very  healthy. 
The  wood  is  valuable  and  durable  for  fences.  The  bark  is  a  pow- 
erful astringent,  and  is  used  as  such  in  tanning,  and  in  medicine. 
The  inner  bark,  boiled  in  milk  and  water,  has  been  used  successfully 
as  an  astringent  in  dysentery  and  diarrhoeas,  which  require  to  be 
restrained  after  the  use  of  physic. 

274.  Comptonia.    20,  13,  L. 

Qomptonia  asplenifolia.  Sweet  fern.  Sec.  The  whole  plant 
has  a  sweet,  sickish,  spicy  odour,  which  manifests  itself  by  rubbing. 
It  is  astringent  and  tonic,  and  is  used  in  common  practice  in  diar- 
rhoea, and  similar  affections.  It  contains  benzoic  acid  and  resin. 
According  to  Schoepf,  chewing  the  roots  stops  bleeding  at  the 
lungs.  It  may  be  used  as  a  substitute  for  the  more  expensive  bal- 
sams, in  asthma,  bronchitis,  &c.  A  decoction  of  the  plant  is  used 
here  as  an  internal  remedy,  and  as  a  wash  in  cases  of  poisoning 
with  sumach  and  other  external  irritants. 


919 

275.  Corylm.     Five  species  ;  20,  13,  L. 

Corylus  Americana.  Common  hazel.  The  fruit  is  said  to  be 
good  in  inflammation  of  the  kidneys.  The  oil  is  supposed  to  be 
anodyne,  and  good  for  the  toothache. 

276.  Fagus.     Three  species;  20,  13,  L. 

Fagus  ferruginia.  Beech.  This  is  a  most  valuable  wood,  and  is 
much  used  in  the  arts.  A  decoction  of  the  leaves  is  useful  in  burns 
and  scalds,  and  for  frost-bitten  limbs.  The  bark,  simmered  with 
oil  or  butter,  is  useful  for  the  same  purposes.  The  nuts  yield  a 
good  deal  of  bland  oil,  and  they  are  pleasant  to  eat.  Western 
Massachusetts  abounds  in  beech. 

277.  Quercus.     Eighty-four  species;  20,  13,  L. 
Quercus  alba.     White  oak.     Off. 

278.  Quercus  prinos  discolor.     Swamp  white  oak. 

279.  Quercus  tinctoria.     Black  oak.     Off. 

280.  Quercus  prinos  acuminata.     Yellow  oak,  and  other  species. 
All  the  oaks  are  valuable  timber  trees,  and  the  bark  from  them  is 
extensively  used  as  an  astringent  and  corroborant. 

281.  Salix.     One  hundred  and  fifteen  species ;  20,  2,  L. 
Salix  ligustrina.     Champlain  willow.     Off. 

282.  Salix  vitellina.     Yellow  willow. 

283.  Salix  Viminalis.     Osier ;  basket  willow,  and  other  speciea. 
The  bark  of  the  willow  has  been  employed  as  a  substitute  for  Pe- 
ruvian bark  in  intermittent  fevers.     The  bark  yields  salicin,  a  sub- 
stance similar  to  quinine,  and  employed  in  the  same  manner,  and 
for  the  same  purposes.    The  dose  of  the  salicin  is  from  two  to  eight 
grains.     The  decoction  of  the  willow  has  been  employed  in  foul  and 
indolent  ulcers. 

284.  Populus.     Eight  species ;  21,  L. 

Populus  tremuloides.  Poplar ;  American  poplar.  Sec.  This  is 
the  celebrated  tonic  bitter  of  the  Thompsonians,  or  steamers.  The 
bark  is  somewhat  astringent,  and  has  been  used  in  tanning.  The 


920 

buds  are  balsamic,  sudorific,  stimulant,  and  tonic.  They  form  a 
good  ointment  for  the  cure  of  gout,  rheumatism,  burns,  and  diseases 
of  the  skin.  Internally,  they  are  diuretic,  and  are  used  in  asthma. 
The  bark  yields  populine. 

285.  Populus  balsamifera.  Balsam  poplar.    This  plant  is  similar 
in  its  properties  to  the  balsam  of  copaiba,  but,  perhaps,  more  stimu- 
lating.    Its  properties  reside  in  the  buds  of  the  leaves,  which  con- 
tain a  great  deal  of  balsam,  which  yields  best  to  spirit.     This  spirit- 
uous balsam  is  a  valuable  vulnerary,   and   is  a  useful  stimulant 
pectoral. 

N.  0. — TEREBINTHINE^E. 

286.  Juglans.     Eleven  species ;  20,  13,  L. 

Juglans  cathartica.  Butternut.  Off.  The  cathartic  properties  of 
this  useful  tree  are  too  well  known  to  need  description  here.  The 
fruit  is  the  pleasantest  of  any  of  the  nuts. 

287.  Juglans  squamosa.    Shellbark  hickory,  and  the 

288.  Juglans  porcina,  pignut  hickory,  possess  somewhat  similar 
properties,  though  in  less  degree.     An  infusion  of  the  leaves  in 
water,  and  washing  a  horse  with  them  in  fly-time,  prevents  the 
annoyance  of  those  insects. 

N.  0.— CONIFERJE.    20,  16,  L. 

289.  Larix  Americana.     Larch ;  hackmatack ;  tamarick.     This 
is  a  beautiful  tree,  resembling  the  pines ;  but  the  leaves  are  deciduous 
in  the  fall.     Its  properties  are  a  fine  balsam,  similar  to  turpentine; 
and  it  is  good  for  wounds,  bruises,  &c. 

290.  Abies.    Synonym,  Pinus. 

Abies  Oanadensis.  Hemlock  spruce.  Off.  The  bark  is  astring- 
ent, and  it  is  used  in  tanning.  A  very  fine  powder  of  it,  sprinkled 
over  excoriated  nipples,  and  other  excoriations,  is  very  soothing, 
and  often  heals  them  when  other  applications  fail.  The  balsam  of 
the  hemlock  is  used  in  medicine,  but  it  is  not  collected  in  great 
quantities.  The  essential  oil  is  stimulating,  and  is  much  used  by 
the  common  people  in  cases  of  rheumatism,  sprains,  &c.  Fomenta- 
tions with  the  leaves  and  branches  relieve  local  pains  and  bruises. 


921 

291.  Abies  balsamifera.    Balsam  of  fir;   silver  fir.    Off.     This 
balsam  exudes  from  the  bark  of  the  tree,  and  it  is  sometimes  ob- 
tained by  boiling,  but  it  is  not  of  so  good  a  quality.     It  is  rather 
thicker  than  molasses,  and  of  a  light  straw  colour.     It  becomes 
thicker  by  standing.      By  distillation,  it  affords  an  essential  oil. 
The  balsam  is  soluble  in  alcohol.     It  is  diuretic,  and  is  used  for  the 
same  purposes  as  the  balsam  copaiba,  and  is  a  very  good  substitute 
for  it.    The  dose  is  from  thirty  to  sixty  drops  on  sugar. 

292.  Abies  alba.    Single  spruce. 

293.  Abies  nigra.    Black,  or  double  spruce.     From  the  essence 
of  spruce  procured  from  these  trees,  and  from  the  leaves  of  them  are 
made  spruce  beer,  so  universally  admired.    The  bark  is  astringent 
and  sudorific.    The  resin  procured  from  these  trees  nearly  resembles 
frankincense.     Josselyn,  according  to  Rafinesque,  says  it  is  good  in 
powder  to  reproduce  flesh.     It  is  used  by  quacks  in  powder,  and  in 
infusion,  for  complaints  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  gravel,  and  rheu- 
matism. 

294.  Pinus,  including  abies.     Thirty-seven  species. 
Pinus  mitse.    Yellow  pine.  Off. 

295.  Pinus  rigida.    Pitch  pine.    Off. 

296.  Pinus  strobus.     White  pine.     All  the  pines  produce  the 
turpentine  of  commerce,  the  properties  of  which  are  well  known. 
The  bark  of  the  Pinus  strobus  is  used  by  the  Indians  in  poultice  for 
the  piles,  and  for  ulcerations.     They  make  a  drawing  plaster  by 
boiling  the  roots.    They  use  the  decoction  of  the  buds  as  a  purgative, 
and  the  cones  or  strobiles  in  rheumatism.     They  use  the  tar  of  it 
dissolved  in  spirit  as  a  wash  in  burns,  tetter,  and  the  itch.  Raf.    The 
bark  is  used  with  spikenard  formed  into  syrup  in  coughs,  and  in 
resin  for  fresh  wounds. 

N.  0.— NAIDES. 

297.  Lemna.     Six  species;  20,  2,  L. 

Lemna  minor.    Duck's  meat.     This  singular  plant,  which  floats 

on  the  top  of  stagnant  water,  is  called  duck's  meat,  because  ducks 

are  peculiarly  fond  of  it.     Ray  considered  an  infusion  of  it  a  secret 

against  the  jaundice,  when  six  ounces  of  it  are  taken  in  white  wine 

VOL.  II.— 59 


922 

for  nine  mornings  in  succession,  fasting.     A*  cataplasm  of  it  has 
been  used  against  the  gout,  and  to  alleviate  the  pain  of  the  piles. 

N.  0. — URTICE^E. 

298.  Morus.     Ten  species ;  20,  4,  L. 

Morus  rubra.  Red  mulberry.  The  fruit  is  refrigerant.  It  is 
used  in  the  form  of  syrup,  and  in  its  raw  state,  and  in  confection ; 
good  in  sore  throat,  angina,  nervous  fever,  &c.  The  bark  is  said 
to  expel  the  tapeworm.  The  fruit  contains  the  tartaric  acid. 

N.  0. — JUNCI. 

299.  Sagittaria.     Ten  species  ;  20,  13,  L. 

Sagittaria  sagittifolia.  Arrow-head.  This,  made  into  bread  and 
soups,  is  esculent  in  China.  It  is  slightly  astringent ;  it  is  dis- 
cutient,  and  checks  the  flow  of  milk  when  applied  to  the  breasts  of 
nursing  women.  It  is  of  use  when  applied  to  oedematous  limbs. 

N.  0. — CONIFERS. 

300.  Thuja.    Six  species  ;  20,  16,  L. 

Thuja  occidental^.  Arbor  vitae  ;  white  cedar.  Sec.  This  beau- 
tiful tree  is  indigenous  in  Massachusetts,  as  well  as  cultivated.  The 
leaves  are  used  in  medicine,  and  from  them  an  essential  oil  is  dis- 
tilled, which  is  highly  stimulant  and  aromatic,  and  has  been  em- 
ployed in  chronic  rheumatism ;  when  used  with  care,  it  is  vermifuge 
and  diuretic. 

N.  0. — JASMINES. 

301.  Fraxinus.    Sixteen  species ;  21,  2,  L. 

Fraxinus  acuminata.  White  ash.  Ash  trees  are  very  valuable 
for  timber  ;  such  as 

302.  Fraxinus  tomentosa.    Red  ash. 

303.  Fraxinus  sambucifolia.    Black  ash.    The  bark  of  these  is 
bitter  and  astringent,  and  is  useful  for  hemorrhages.    The  leaves, 
infused  in  a  poultice,  are  considered  useful  in  the  bites  of  snakes. 
It  is  said  the  leaves  are  very  poisonous  to  the  rattlesnake,  and  that 
these  reptiles  will  sooner  run  through  a  fire  than  over  these  leaves. 
The  seeds  are  aromatic,  and  diuretic. 


923 


N.  0.— ( 

304.  Juniperus.     Fourteen  species  ;  21,  16,  L. 
Juniperus  Virginianum.     Red  cedar.  Off. 

305.  Juniperus  sabina.  Savine.  Off.  This  and  the  above  are  similar 
in  their  properties;  they  are  stimulant,  emmenagogue,  and  diaphoretic. 
The  leaves  are  often  resorted  to  by  dissolute  females  for  the  purpose 
of  procuring  abortion ;  but  they  are  feeble  agents,  and  are  some- 
times attended  with  danger.     The  principal  uses  to  which  they  are 
now  applied  are  the  formation  of  the  savine  cerate,  which  is  used  for 
keeping  up  discharges  from  blistered  surfaces.     The  oil  of  cedar  is 
considerably  used  in  rheumatic  affections ;  the  timber  is  the  most 
durable  in  the  world,  and  admits  of  a  high  polish. 

306.  Juniperus  communis.     Juniper.    Off.    The  berries  of  this 
species  are  one  of  the  most  useful  diuretics. 

307.  Taxus.    Ten  species ;  21,  16,  L. 

Taxus  Canadensis.  Yew  tree  ;  China  wood.  The  leaves  of  this 
shrub  are  said  to  be  poisonous  to  cattle  and  sheep.  The  berries 
contain  sugar,  a  red  fat,  malic  acid,  gum,  &c.,  and  an  oil  which  is 
used  in  China  for  lamps. 

308.  G-erardia  quercifolia.     N.  0.    Oak-leaved  gerardia.    Rafi- 
nesque  says  this  is  the  specific  of  the  Sioux  Indians  for  the  bite  of 
the  rattlesnake ;  and,  likewise,  for  the  toothache. 

CRYPTOGAMIA. 

309.  Adiantum  pedatum.     Maiden  hair ;  rock  fern.     The  plant 
is  slightly  aromatic  and  astringent.     Its  active  properties  reside  in 
a  mucilage  with  this  astringent.     Its  principal  use  is  as  a  pectoral 
and  expectorant.     In  the  form  of  syrup,  I  have  often  used  it  with 
success  in  chronic  coughs. 

310.  Aspidium.     Twenty-five  species  in  America. 

Aspidium  filix  mas.  Male  fern.  Sec.  This  is  the  celebrated  ver- 
mifuge, destroying  tapeworms,  of  Madam  Noeuffer,  for  which  she  was 
liberally  rewarded  by  her  native  government  of  Switzerland.  It 
does  not  answer  the  high  encomiums  bestowed  upon  it.  The  plant 
has  been  used  for  rickets. 


924 

311.  Asplenium.     Many  species. 

Asplenium  ruta  mararia.  Spleenwort.  It  grows  in  low  woods  near 
moist  meadows,  and  among  rocks.  The  decoction  of  the  leaves 
is  pectoral,  diuretic,  and  mildly  astringent.  They  open  obstructions 
of  the  viscera,  and  promote  expectoration,  allay  pain  in  the  urinary 
organs,  by  gently  carrying  off  the  sand  and  gravel,  and  they  have 
been  said  to  have  cured  the  venereal  disease  used  in  decoction. 

312.  Equisetum  arvensi.     Cat-tail;  horse-tail.     This  is  a  most 
troublesome  weed  in  our  meadows  and  pastures.     Cattle  will  not 
touch  it  unless  severely  pressed  with  hunger,  in  which  case  it  brings 
on  a  severe  relax  and  dysentery.     Horses  eat  it  with  impunity;  but 
it  is  noxious  to  sheep.     It  is  astringent  and  diuretic.     It  is  some- 
times used  in  bleeding  at  the  stomach,  in  gonorrhoea,  and  in  phthisis. 
This,  and  several  other  species  are  in  considerable  use  in  tanning 
and  dressing  leather. 

313.  Equisetum  Jiymale.     Scouring  rush.     This  plant  is  much 
used  in  scouring  wood,  metals,  &c.;   said  to  be  good  for  cattle  in 
winter.     It  is  used,  in  Italy,  for  cattle  as  a  diuretic,  and  is  good  for 
cattle  discharging  blood.     I  have  often  given  an  infusion  of  it  in 
cases  of  strangury. 

314.  Fungi.     Mushrooms.     One  hundred  and  fifty  species;  most 
of  them  found  here.     Two  species  are  tonic  and  bitter,  the  helvella 
amara  and  boletus  laricis.     All  those  which  afford  milk,  and  are 
deliquescent,  and  of  a  fetid  odour,  are  poisonous,  being  narcotic  and 
acrid  in  their  properties.     The  remedies  for  eating  these  species  are 
a  speedy  emetic,  purgatives,  emollient  and  acid  drinks. 

315.  Lyeopodium  complanatum.    Sec.    Ground  pine;  dead  man's 
hand.     This  is  used  by  Stewart  for  the  cure  of  colic.     It  is  diuretic, 
emetic,  emmenagogue,  nervine,  &c.      It  is  employed  in  diarrhoea, 
dropsy,  gout,  and  scurvy.     Externally,  it  is  used  for  the  cure  of 
ulcers,  tinea  capitis,  and  hepatic  eruptions.    The  decoction  kills  lice, 
and  is  used  to  improve  bad  wine.     The  pollen  is  used  in  fireworks. 

316.  Polypodium  vulgare.      Polypod.     The  root,  which  is  the 
part  used,  is  sweet  and  mucilaginous  to  the  taste.     It  is  vermifuge 
and  demulcent,  cathartic,  and  pectoral.    The  syrup  is  used  in  coughs, 
and  in  the  rickets  and  lumbago.     In  strong  decoction,  it  is  thought 


925 

to  be  cathartic  and  vermifuge.  The  ancients  employed  it  in  bilious 
affections,  in  coughs  and  catarrhs,  and  in  maniacal  and  melancholic 
cases. 

317.  Osmunda  regalis.    Royal  osmund;  buckthorn  brake.    Lind- 
ley  says  the  rhizoma  is  tonic  and  styptic,  and  said  to  be  serviceable 
in  cases  of  rachitis.     The  centre  bulb,  or  nucleus,  just  above  the 
roots,  is  highly  mucilaginous  and  corroborant.     Infused  in  spirit, 
until  it  becomes  ropy,  it  is  much  in  vogue  for  the  cure  of  rheumatism, 
weakness  of  the  back,  swellings,  and  indolent  tumours,  by  bathing 
the  parts  affected  with  it.     It  is  also  much  in  use  in  female  weak- 
nesses, and  in  all  cases  of  general  debility. 

N.  0. — MYBICACE.E. 

318.  Myrica  cerifera.     Bayberry.  Off.    The  wax  made  from  the 
berries   of  this  plant  has  been  successfully  used  by  Fahnestock, 
of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  in  cases  of  dysentery.     I  have  not  been  suc- 
cessful in  the  use  of  it  in  this  affection.     The  root   is  stimulant 
and  acrid,   antispasmodic  and  astringent.     Dr.  Bigelow  says   the 
bark  of   the   root    is   acrid  and   astringent;  in   large   doses,  pro- 
ducing vomiting  accompanied  by  a  burning  sensation ;  constipation 
usually  follows.     The  powder  is  very  stimulating  and  acrid.     The 
fruit  is  enveloped  with  an  aromatic  waxy  secretion,  which  may  be 
collected  and  purified,  and  used  like  beeswax  and  tallow.     This  is 
called  bay-wax,  and  bayberry  tallow.     It  is  used  in  pharmacy  for 
ointments  for  various  purposes,  and  it  is  mild  or  stimulant  as  it  is 
more  or  less  pure.     Next  to  the  divine  lobelia,  the  steamers  make 
use  of  the  bark  of  the  root  in  cases  of  debility. 

319.  JESTIS-WEED.     I  cannot  close  this  notice  of  our  medicinal 
plants,  without  inviting  the  attention  of  my  professional  brethren 
throughout  the  Union  towards  this  plant,  which  is  said  to  be  so 
sovereign  in  the  cure  of  the  bite  of  the  deadly  rattlesnake.     I  have 
in  vain  endeavoured  to  ascertain  the  botanical  name  of  the  plant,  by 
inquiry  of  my  classes,  in  the  various  medical  colleges  in  which  I 
have  lectured,  who  have  resided  in  different  sections  of  the  United 
States,  and  have  instituted  inquiries  in  our  medical  journals  in  rela- 
tion to  its  scientific  name  and  history;  I  have  not  succeeded  in  find- 
ing it.     This  shows  how  arbitrary  are  our  English  or  common  names 
for  plants.    I  hope,  through  the  medium  of  this  communication,  some 
one  of  our  brethren  may  be  able  to  inform  the  public  what  it  is. 


926 


The  late  horrible  death  of  one  of  our  professional  brethren  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  from  the  bite  of  a  rattlesnake,  should  excite  a 
diligent  inquiry  into  a  remedy  for  this  fatal  poison.  The  late  Dr. 
B.  S.  Barton,  of  Philadelphia,  in  his  Med.  and  Phys.  Journal  for 
1808,  gives  a  long  paper  upon  the  successful  use  of  this  plant  in  the 
cure  of  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake,  in  nine  cases,  by  a  Mr.  Haynes- 
worth,  probably  of  one  of  the  southern  or  south-western  States. 
Where  he  is  from,  and  what  is  the  botanical  name  of  the  plant,  I 
cannot  learn.  I  hope  some  of  my  readers  will  be  more  successful, 
and  communicate  the  result  of  their  inquiries. 


Officinal  plants  in  this  enumeration 
Secondary  in  the  Dispensatories  . 
Neither  officinal  nor  secondary 


68 

56 

195 

319 


The  following  is  the  number  of  plants  in   the  orders   enume- 
rated : — 


Araliaceae 

Umbelliferae 

Ranunculaceae 

Papaveraceae 

Nymphiaceae 

Podophylleae 

Cruciferae 

Fumariaceae 

Capparideae 

Berberideae 

Magnoliaceas 

Laurineae 

Malvaceae 

Tiliaceas 

Hypericeaneaa 

Saxifrageae 

Hamameliaceas 

Cireoracese 

Salicariae 

Aristolochiaa 

Rosaceae 

Leguminosse 


4  Urticaceae  4 

13  Euphorbiaceae  2 

14  Geraniaceae  4 
2  Balsamineae  1 
2  Polygalaceae  1 
1  Violaceae  6 

10  DroseraceaD  1 

1  Caryophyllaceae  4 

1  Crassulaceae  1 

2  Chenopodiaceae  2 
2  Phytolacaceae  1 
2  Polygonaceae  3 
6  Pyrolaceae  3 

1  Lobeliaceae  2 

2  Plantagenese  2 

3  Compositae  30 
1  Stellatse  5 
1  Apocynaceae  2 
1  Gentianaceae  3 
1  Convolvulaceae  2 

IT  Orobancheae  6 

6  Solanaceae  25 


927 


Verbenaceae 

20 

Amentaceae 

IT 

Boraginaceae 

2 

Ulmaceae 

1 

Alismacese 

1 

Narcissus 

1 

Iridaceae 

1 

Acera 

2 

Orchideae 

5 

Thymelaceae 

1 

Melanthaceae 

3 

Ericaceae 

T 

Smilaceae 

6 

Fabaceae 

2 

Liliacese 

2 

Portulaceae 

1 

Typhiaceae 

1 

Cistaceae 

1 

Aroideae 

5 

Scrophulariaceae 

1 

Cinchonaceae 

6 

Amaranthaceae 

1 

CaprifoliaceD3 

3 

Terebintliineae 

3 

Anacardiacese 

4 

Coniferae 

12 

Xanthoxylacese 

1 

Naides 

1 

Celastraceae 

1 

Cryptogamia 

T 

Rhamnaceae 

6 

>( 

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